Great Lakes limestone freight decreased 3.8 percent in October

November 13, 2025

The Lake Carriers' Association reports that shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.2 million tons in October, a decrease of 3.8 percent compared to 2024. Limestone cargos were also below the month's 5-year average by 10.7 percent.

Loadings from U.S. quarries totaled 2.6 million tons, a 6.1 percent reduction. Shipments from Canadian quarries increased 6.8 percent to 626,805 tons.

Year-to-date, the limestone trade stands at 22.8 million tons, a decrease of 5.6 percent compared to a year ago. Loadings from Michigan and Ohio quarries decreased 4.5 percent from last year to 18.6 million tons; while shipments from Ontario quarries total 4.2 million tons, a decrease of 10 percent.

Source: Lake Carriers' Association