RTA: Crosstie production down, purchases up in June

In June, crosstie production fell 4.8 percent to 1.8 million units, while purchases rose 7.8 percent to 2.49 million units from May levels, according to the Railway Tie Association (RTA).In comparison to year-ago levels, June production plunged 29.1 percent and purchases slipped 5.6 percent, according to the RTA report.Production through June decreased 21.3 percent from year-ago levels to 11 million units, while purchases dropped 11.3 percent to 11.48 million units compared with the same period in 2016.Purchases are in a downward trend at a 9.8 percent annual rate, while production is trending lower at a 15 percent annual rate, according to RTA's report.