RTA: Crosstie production, purchases fell in July

In July, crosstie production plunged 12.9 percent to 2.21 million units, while purchases dropped 11.8 percent to  2.2 million units from June levels, according to the Railway Tie Association (RTA).

Compared with year-ago July levels, production fell 7.6 percent, while purchases slipped 8.4 percent.

For the first seven months of 2016, production rose 9 percent to 16.2 million units, and purchases increased 6 percent to 15.7 million units.

Purchases are in a "moderate upswing" since May 2015 at a 6.6 percent annual rate, according to RTA's report.

Starting in Nov. 2014, production has been in a "strong uptrend," the report stated.