Compared to sales in 2018 and 2019, the overall sales of concrete masonry units (CMU) increased 1.9% in the United States and 0.9% in Canada, according to a study released by the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA). For manufacturers, more than 90% of reported production in the United States was gray block as compared to nearly 40% of production in Canada.
The 2020 NCMA CMU Sales Survey is in its third year for this industry sales survey for concrete masonry units. In total, 39 individual companies provided data for the survey, all of which were manufacturers. The producers that responded represent 187 plant locations across the United States and Canada. Data was submitted in three different categories of CMU products: the aforementioned gray block, architectural block, and concrete masonry veneer (anchored and dry-cast adhered).
The category with the largest growth year over year in the United States was gray block, which experienced a 2.3% increase in sales. In Canada, the concrete masonry veneer category showed the largest growth, which experienced a 2.2% increase in sales. Since this survey started in 2017, the industry has shown yearly growth in the United States and Canada markets.
Gary Hensley, Adams an Oldcastle Company and NCMA Masonry Committee chair said “this third CMU Sales Survey is providing important growth data to the industry and the association. We see the increase in sales of concrete masonry products in the United States and Canada, as a very encouraging trend for all in the industry. The annual updates from the survey provide essential information, and demonstrates that what we are doing as an industry is working or that we need to make changes to increase market share.”
It is estimated that total production in the United States was 1.15 billion units in 2018 and 1.17 billion units in 2019. Estimated production in Canada was 101.8 million units in 2018 and 101.5 million units in 2019.
The complete survey is available for purchase through the NCMA Bookstore. Click here to buy it online. NCMA members should contact NCMA at (703) 713-1900 for member discounts and other purchase options.