Trendlines Statewide Monthly Construction Data-October

Cement and Ready Mix Use Increases in July

Data recently released by the United States Geological Service shows 118,657 tons of cement were shipped to the state during the month of July 2021. Cement shipments grew by nearly 5% over the same period in 2020 but were down 7% compared to June 2021.

Looking to ready mix volumes, we estimate 439,387 cubic yards of concrete were placed during the month. The yardage was approximately 35,000 cubic yards less than June 2021. After 7 months in 2021, the state is outpacing 2020 totals by almost 13%. Please note, the ACIA has revised all numbers up since February 2021 due to the rapid increase in use of blended cements. Prior to February 2021, the state had been using an average of 2,000 tons per month of blended cements and were not included in report totals. Over 20,000 tons of blended cement was used in July 2021 with the increased use of PLC cement.

Reviewing residential construction data, builder sentiment for the South in October was 84. This is a four point increase over September data and the highest total since June 2021. The AIA Billing Index for August stands at 55.6. Anything above 50 is considered growing.