WASHINGTON: Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes continue their seasonal decline, with shipments down sharply in November.
At nearly 5 million tons, November shipments of iron ore were 17 percent below those in November 2014. And when compared to November’s five-year average, shipments were down 12 percent, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association.
A total of 4.2 million tons of iron ore were loaded at U.S. ports in November, a decrease of about 22 percent compared to a year ago. However, at 710,000 tons, shipments from Canadian ports increased 29 percent.
Through November, the lakes and seaway ore trade reached 49.3 million tons, down 7 percent compared to the same point in the 2014 shipping season and the five-year average. Season-to-date loadings at U.S. ports are down 11 percent from last year, while shipments from Canadian ports are up 29 percent. The Lake Carriers’ Association represents 15 American companies that operate 56 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes.
