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, according to a report Monday from the Lake Carriers' Association. Shipments were down 11 percent from the month’s 5-year average.
Loadings at US 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 5-year average for the first three quarters.
Loadings at US ports are down 7.6 percent compared the corresponding period last year. Shipments from Canadian ports are up 29.9 percent.