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In January, crosstie purchases typically increase about 4 percent from December’s level. But last month, purchases skyrocketed about 62 percent above December’s level to 2 million units — a “surprisingly strong message from tie buyers,” said Railway Tie Association (RTA) officials in their latest monthly market report.

January tie production rose by “a more tame” 5.6 percent to 1.9 million units while the inventory-to-sales ratio fell from 0.79 to 0.77, they said. Tie inventories decreased from 17.1 million units in December to 17 million units in January.

Meanwhile, 12-month rolling data shows tie purchases surged through January, surpassing 22 million units, RTA officials said. Purchases were growing at an annual rate of about 9 percent. Production continued to expand, reaching 22.9 million units and climbing at an annual rate of about 29 percent.