Lakes Iron Ore Trade Down 17% at Midyear

The Lake Carriers' Association reported that iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes total 19.2 million tons through the end of June, a 17 percent decrease from a year ago and the trade’s long-term average.

Higher water levels have not been able to offset the interminable delays suffered during the winter of 2013/2014.

Shipments from U.S. ports through the second quarter stand at 16.8 million tons, a decrease of nearly 19 percent compared to a year ago.  While several cargos in June topped 69,000 tons, even the best loads still represented a shortfall from the vessel’s rated capacity, and the month’s top load – 69,576 tons – was still 2,724 tons shy of the record through the Soo Locks: 72,300 tons.

Iron ore shipments from Canadian ports in the Seaway total 2.4 million tons through June, a slight decrease compared to a year ago.  The lack of shipments from Pointe Noire reflects the closure of Wabush Mines in eastern Canada.

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