Limestone trade down 5.9 percent last year on Great Lakes

(CLEVELAND) — Limestone shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 26.6 million tons in 2025, a decrease of 5.9 percent compared to the previous year. Loadings in 2025 were below the trade’s five-year average by 6.7 percent.

Shipments from U.S. quarries decreased 5 percent from 2024 to 21.7 million tons. Loadings from U.S. quarries were also 5 percent below their five-year average.

Shipments from Canadian quarries in 2025 totaled 4.9 million tons, a 9.7 percent decrease compared to 2024 and 13.9 percent below the five-year average.

*Revised 7/11/24. U.S. ports: Calcite, Mich.; Cedarville, Mich.; Drummond Island, Mich.; Marblehead, Ohio; Port Inland, Mich.; and Presque Isle, Mich. Canadian ports: Bruce Mines, Manitoulin Island, Port Colborne (from August 2017 on), and Smelter Bay (all Ontario).

About the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA)

Since 1880, the LCA has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can move more than 90 million tons of cargoes annually that are the foundation of American industry, infrastructure and power: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, and other dry-bulk materials such as grain, salt and sand. More information is available at www.lcaships.com.

– Lake Carriers’ Association

Limestone trade down 5.9 percent last year on Great Lakes

By Professional Mariner Staff