Great Lakes iron ore volumes up 6.4% in April
The Lake Carriers' Association reported iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 5.7 million tons in April, a 6.4 percent increase compared to a year ago.
Vessel loadings were also 13.8 percent ahead of the month's five-year average.
Shipments from U.S. ports totaled 5.1 million tons, an increase of 9.2 percent compared to a year ago. However, loadings at Canadians dipped slightly.
Through April the iron ore trade stands at 10.7 million tons, a roughly 12.5 percent increase compared to both a year ago and the five-year average for the January-April timeframe. Shipments from U.S. ports are up 11.7 percent compared to a year ago and 13.7 percent ahead of their five-year average.
Loadings at Canadian ports are 21 percent ahead of last year's pace, but marginally below their five-year average for the first four months of the year, the association said.
Lake Carriers' Association represents 17 American companies that operate 55 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes. These vessels transport iron ore and fluxstone for the steel industry, aggregate and cement for the construction industry, coal for power generation.
Great Lakes iron ore volumes up 6.4% in April
