Great Lakes Iron Ore Trade Down in September

Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 5.6 million tons in September, a decrease of 20.6 percent compared to a year ago, the Lake Carriers' Association (LCA) reported. Shipments were down 11 percent from the month’s five-year average. 

 

Loadings at U.S. ports in September fell 25.5 percent compared to a year ago, while shipments from Canadian ports rose 42.8 percent.

 

Through September, the Lakes/Seaway ore trade stands at 39.1 million tons, a decrease of 4 percent compared to the same point in 2014. Shipments are down 6.3 percent compared to the five-year average for the first three quarters.

 

Loadings at U.S. ports are down 7.6 percent compared the corresponding period last year, while shipments from Canadian ports are up 29.9 percent.