US gypsum consumption increases y/y in 3Q14

The USGS has released its Mineral Industry Survey for gypsum in 3Q14. Gypsum consumption was higher than in the corresponding period in 2013. The increase has been attributed to low housing starts in 3Q13, especially multi-unit apartments.

Gypsum producers mined approximately 4.34 million t in 3Q14, up 5% q/q and up 57% y/y. Some 2.41 million t of synthetic gypsum was supplied during the period, 12% more than in 2Q14 and up 13% on 3Q13. Synthetic gypsum represented 31% of the gypsum supplied in the US in 3Q14.

Sales volumes of uncalcined gypsum, used in the production of Portland cement and in agriculture, experienced a slight decline, falling by 6% y/y to 417 000 t. However, the supply of calcined gypsum increased, rising by 7% q/q and 9% y/y to 3.92 million t.

Imports of crude gypsum totalled 967 000 t, according to the US Census Bureau. This is 6% higher than in 2Q14 and 23% higher than in 3Q13. Canada, Mexico and Spain were the top three countries from which crude gypsum was imported during the quarter, accounting for 38%, 33% and 29%, respectively.

Imports of gypsum wallboard grew by 10% y/y but fell 4% q/q. Mexico provided 62% of the gypsum wallboard imported by the US in 3Q14, while Canada supplied 37%.

Around 203 000 t of wallboard was exported from the US in 3Q14, down 9% on 2Q14. The wallboard exports went to 40 countries and territories, with Canada receiving some 93% of the quarter’s exports.

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/16022015/usgs-publishes-gypsum-statistics-3q14-338/