Iron ore shipments on U.S. Great Lakes drop sharply

CLEVELAND – Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 3.9 million tons in June, a decrease of 32.6 percent from 2021, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA). Shipments were 29.5 percent below the month’s 5-year average.

Year-to-date the iron ore trade stands at 13.8 million tons, 33.5 percent below the previous year’s total of 20.7 million tons.  Iron shipments are below their 5-year average by 30.9 percent for the first half of the year.

Since 1880, the LCA has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can move more than 90 million tons of cargos annually that are the foundation of American industry, infrastructure, and power: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, and other dry bulk materials such as grain, salt, and sand. 

(Photo Charles Boles, American Steamship Company)