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USGS reported that crushed stone output, valued at $9.7 billion, increased 4.6% in 2004 to 1.6 billion tons compared with 2003. USGS estimated that in 2005, domestic production will be about 1.65 billion tons, a 3.1% increase. Gradual increases in demand for construction aggregates are anticipated after 2005 based on the expected volume of work on infrastructure and an expanding U.S. economy. Long-term projected increases will be influenced by activity in the public and private construction sectors as well as by construction work related to security measures being implemented around the nation.
Further, USGS said construction sand and gravel output, valued at $6.3 billion, increased to approximately 1.19 billion tons, about 3.0% more than that of 2003. It is estimated that 2005 domestic production will be about 1.2 billion tons each, a slight increase. Aggregates consumption is expected to continue to grow slowly in response to a growing economy and outlays for road and other construction. Most areas of the country will likely experience increased sales and consumption of sand and gravel. Crushed stone has been replacing natural sand and gravel, especially in more densely populated areas of the eastern U.S.
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