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In May, crosstie purchases “took a dive,” plummeting 53 percent from April's level to 1 million units, according to the Railway Tie Association’s (RTA) monthly tie market report. Purchases, which had shown strength in March and April, fell to levels usually seen in fall and winter months, the report states.

May tie production totaled 1.2 million units, declining 7 percent from April’s level. Inventories “halted their short-lived correction” and inched up 1 percent to 17.1 million units, RTA said. The inventory-to-sales ratio rose from April’s 0.94 to 0.98.

Through 2010’s first five months, purchases stood at 7.3 million units and production totaled 5.7 million units. Purchases and production volume reached about 77 percent and 47 percent, respectively, of last year’s level through five months, the report states.

Meanwhile, 12-month rolling data shows purchases “resumed their year-long slide” and declined at a 17 percent annual rate, RTA said. Production was down 27 percent and inventories declined 1.8 percent during the 12-month rolling period.