The Lake Carriers' Association (LCA) reported Monday that iron ore shipments on the US Great Lakes totaled 5.9 million tons in September, a decrease of 7.3 percent compared to August, and 7 percent below the level of a year ago. Shipments were, however, 6.1 percent ahead of September's five-year average.
Shipments from US ports totaled 5,052,532 tons, a decrease of 10.2 percent compared to a year ago. Included in that total were 360,000 tons shipped to Québec City for final delivery overseas. Loadings at Canadian ports rose 10 percent (80,000 tons).
Through September, the iron ore trade stands at 44.6 million tons, an increase of 3.5 percent compared to a year ago, and 16.2 percent better than the five-year average for the first three quarters.
Shipments from US ports are up 1.7 percent compared to a year ago, and 16.9 percent ahead of their five-year average. Loadings at Canadian ports are up 18.4 percent compared to a year ago, and 11.3 percent ahead of their five-year average.