Great Lakes iron ore trade dropped a little in October

November 12, 2025

The Lake Carriers' Association reports that shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 4.4 million tons in October, a decrease of 1.3 percent compared to 2024.

The Association notes that shipments were below the month's 5-year average.

Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stands at 35.8 million tons, a decrease of 12.6 percent compared to last year.

Through October, iron ore loadings are 6.7 percent below their 5-year average.

Source: Lake Carriers' Association