The Lake Carriers' Association reported that iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 6.9 million tons in July, an increase of 6.3% compared to June, but a decrease of 2.2% compared to a year ago. Shipments were, however, more than 12% ahead of July's five year average.
Shipments from US ports totaled 5.9 million tons, a decrease of 6% compared to a year ago. Included in that total were 570,000 tons shipped to Qubec City for final delivery overseas. Loadings at Canadian ports rose almost 30%.
Through July the iron ore trade stands at 32.1 million tons, an increase of 6.5 percent compared to a year ago and 19 percent better than the five-year average for the January-July timeframe.
Shipments from US ports are up 5.3% compared to a year ago and 20.5% ahead of their five year average. Loadings at Canadian ports are up nearly 17% compared to a year ago and 9% ahead of their five year average.