Great Lakes Limestone and Iron Ore Trade Down in August
Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.6 million tons in August, a decrease of 3% from 2024. Limestone cargos were also below the month’s 5-year average by 4.4%.
According to the Lake Carriers’ Association, loadings from U.S. quarries totaled 2.95 million tons, an increase of 1.8% compared to a year ago. Shipments from Canadian quarries totaled 647,403 tons, representing a 20% decrease.
Year-to-date, Great Lakes limestone trade stands at 16.3 million tons, a 4.6% decrease compared to last year. Loadings from Michigan and Ohio quarries total 13.4 million tons, a decrease of 2.1%. Shipments from Ontario quarries total 2.9 million tons, a 14.3% decrease compared to 2024.
The Lake Carriers’ Association also reports that iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes in August totaled 5 million tons, a 9.1% decrease compared to last year. Shipments were below the month’s 5-year average by 2%.
Year-to-date, the iron ore trade totals 26.7 million tons, a decrease of 13.9% compared to the same point in 2024.
Through August, iron shipments are 6.4% below their 5-year average for eight months of the year.
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