US: The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has released data regarding gypsum production and consumption in the United States during 2012. This shows that a total of 9.9Mt of crude gypsum, 11.8Mt of synthetic gypsum and 12.1Mt of calcined gypsum was produced during the year. In 2011 the totals were 8.9Mt (crude), 11.8Mt (synthetic) and 11.9Mt (crude). Total consumption came to 24.6Mt, a 3.8% rise from 2011 when the country consumed 23.7Mt.
The leading crude gypsum-producing States were, in descending order, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa, Nevada, and California, which together accounted for 58% of total output. Overall, 47 companies produced gypsum in 34 states and around 90% of all gypsum was used in wallboard and plaster production. Around 12% of the gypsum consumed was imported.
The USGS pointed to increased construction activity as the main driver of the increased demand, consumption (up 4%) and production (up 11%) of gypsum in the US in 2012. The average price of gypsum remained static at ~US$7/t crude (at mine) and ~US$30/t calcined (at plant). The USGS added that the US gypsum wallboard capacity in 2012 was in the region of 33Bn ft2 (3.07Bn m2).
