The Lake Carriers' Association reports that shipments of iron ore from U.S. Great Lakes ports increased 8.4 percent from May 2025 to 5.4 million tons. Shipments were also 4.7 percent above the month's 5-year average.

Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stands at 12.2 million tons, an increase of 4.1 percent compared to a year ago. Iron ore shipments were 6.2 percent below their 5-year average for five months of the year.

However, shipments of limestone from U.S. quarries on the Great Lakes decreased 8.1 percent from May of last year to 2.7 million tons. May's loadings were also below the month's 5-year average by 5.4 percent.

Year-to-date, the Lakes U.S. limestone trade totals 3.9 million tons, a decrease of 14.9 percent compared to 2025 and 15.7 percent below the 5-year average.

Source: Lake Carriers' Association

 

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