Perlite

Consumption, imports and domestic production of perlite in the United States continued to be severely affected by the multi-year downturn in construction activity and decreased consumer spending. The estimated amount of processed perlite sold or used from U.S. mines in 2009 fell to 380 kt (418,000 st), the lowest amount of domestic perlite sold or used since 1967.The U.S. consumption of crude processed perlite in 2009 was estimated to have decreased to 480 kt (530,000 st), the lowest level of consumption since 1984 when consumption was 474 kt (522,000 st). Preliminary reports indicate that perlite imports decreased for the third consecutive year and have fallen about 45 percent since peaking in 2006.