2007 production takes a hard dive

The year 2007 will go down as a forgetable one for the nation's aggregates producers. According to final numbers released by the U.S. Geological Survey, the estimated annual output of aggregates produced for consumption last year was 2.56 billion metric tons, a decrease of 16 percent compared with 2006.

Crushed stone production was 1.44 billion metric tons, a decrease of 16 percent, while construction sand and gravel production was 1.11 billion metric tons, also a decrease of 16 percent compared with 2006.

In 2007, spending on construction projects in the United States fell by a record 2.6 percent, the largest decrease since 2002. Private construction companies reduced their residential projects to levels not seen since 1993.

Portland cement consumption decreased by 9.5 percent in 2007 compared with 2006.

Aren't you glad its 2008? Your comment?