Trendlines Statewide Monthly Construction Data- July 2024

April Cement Shipments Pop

Data recently released by the United States Geological Service shows 156,819 tons of cement were shipped to the state in April 2024. The tonnage is 24.1% higher than the volume for April 2023. The first four months of 2024 have been feast or famine with big jumps or large contractions in tonnage shipped to the state.

Looking to ready mix volumes, we estimate 580,701 cubic yards of concrete were placed during the month.

Ready mix volumes across the state continue to be very uneven. Industrial projects in Montgomery are keeping producers very busy. Birmingham has seen a significant drop in volumes. Huntsville has continued to be on an island and seems to be insulated from the economic slowdown. Looking at the AIA billing index for June, billings increased from 42.4 to 46.4, Anything below 50 is considered a contracting market. The National Association of Home Builders Index remained at 43 for the second straight month in the Southern region. A number below fifty is considered a negative indicator.