USGS gypsum survey results for September 2009

Results have been released from the USGS concerning the production of gypsum in September 2009. According to the report, US producers mined 738 000 t of gypsum during the month. Output decreased slightly from that of August 2009 and was 29% less than the revised output data for September 2008. Synthetic gypsum production was 610 000 t in September 2009, which was 4% more than that of August 2009 and 15% less than that of September 2008.

During September 2009, synthetic gypsum accounted for about 36% of the 1.59 million t total supply of gypsum in the US. Sales of uncalcined gypsum during the month, mainly for Portland cement manufacture and for agricultural uses, were 430 000 t, 11% less than those of August 2009 and 29% less than those of September 2008.

Output of calcined gypsum for September 2009 was 1.15 million t, 4% more than that of August 2009 and 24% less than that of September 2008. Sales of board products were 1.3 million t, equivalent to approximately 143 million m² (1.54 billion ft.²), an increase of 7% from those of September 2009 and 8% less than those of September 2008.

According to the US Census Bureau, imports of crude gypsum in September 2009 were 239 000 t, a decrease of 34% from those of August 2009 and 46% less than those of September 2008. The US imported crude gypsum from two countries in September 2009. Of these imports, Canada accounted for 75%, followed by Mexico with 25%. Gypsum wallboard imports for September 2009 were 17 300 t, equivalent to 1.9 million m² (21 million ft.²). These imports were down 4% from those of August 2009 and 35% less than those of September 2008. The US imported wallboard products from three countries in September 2009. Mexico accounted for 53% of these imports, followed by Canada with 46%, and Colombia with 1%.

Wallboard exports to 33 countries and territories in September 2009 were 66 099 t, equivalent to 7.3 million m² (79 million ft.²). These exports were 16% more than those of August 2009 and 762% more than the reported September 2008 level. An adjustment by the US Census Bureau in the calculation of 2009 monthly wallboard exports to Canada resulted in the large year-over-year increase. Consequently, the sizeable increase should not be interpreted as an actual rise in exports. Most wallboard exports were shipped to 25 western hemisphere countries, with Canada accounting for 94%, followed by the Bahamas and Mexico, each with 1%.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/22122009/usgs_gypsum_survey_results_for_september_2009/