CLEVELAND – Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 3.9 million tons in April, an increase of 5.3 percent compared to 2025. Shipments were 9.4 percent below the month’s 5-year average, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association which represents the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet.
Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stands at 6.8 million tons, an increase of less than one percent compared to a year ago. Through April, iron ore shipments are 13.5 percent below their 5-year average for four months of the year.
On the other hand, limestone shipments from U.S. ports decreased 27.5 percent compared to April 2025 to 1.1 million net tons. Loadings were also below the month’s 5-year average by 35.4 percent.
Year-to-date, the U.S. limestone trade stands at 1.2 million tons, a decrease of 26.6 percent from last year and 31.9 percent below the 5-year average.
As of April 2026, Canadian ports are no longer supplying information regarding limestone shipments, the LCA said.
(Port of Duluth photo by Gus Schauer)