RTA: Crosstie production fell, but purchases soared in April

In April, crosstie production declined 5 percent to 1.8 million units and purchases soared 32 percent to 2.4 million units from March levels, according to the Railway Tie Association's (RTA) monthly market report.

Compared with year-ago levels, production fell 23.7 percent and purchases rose 3.3 percent. Production during the first four months of 2017 was down 20.5 percent to 7.3 million units and purchases were down 17 percent to 6.7 million units compared with the same period in 2016.

"Purchases are in a downward trend at a 7.7 percent annual rate," the RTA report stated. "Production also is trending lower and is down by a 9.7 percent annual rate."