The following is the text of a news release from the Lake Carriers' Association:
(CLEVELAND) — Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 5.6 million tons in September, a decrease of 20.6 percent compared to a year ago. 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. 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. Shipments from Canadian ports are up 29.9 percent.
The Lake Carriers’ Association represents 15 American companies that operate 56 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes and carry the raw materials that drive the nation’s economy: iron ore and fluxstone for the steel industry, aggregate and cement for the construction industry, coal for power generation, as well as salt, sand and grain. Collectively, these vessels can transport more than 115 million tons of cargo per year. More information is available at www.lcaships.com.
