Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3,639,048 net tons in May, an increase of 47.6 percent compared to April, and an increase of 27.3 percent compared to a year ago. The trade was, however, down more than 16 percent when compared to the month’s five-year average.
Loadings at U.S. ports were up 23 percent compared to a year ago. Shipments from Canadian docks increased even more, 43.2 percent. Year-to-date the Lakes limestone trade stands at 6,121,260 net tons, an increase of 38.3 percent compared to a year ago, but a decrease of 21.1 percent compared to the 5-year average for the January-May timeframe. Loadings at U.S. ports are up 37.8 percent compared to a year ago. Shipments from Canadian docks are 40.3 percent ahead of last year’s pace.