Lakes Iron Ore Trade Up 106% in May

Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 6.3 million net tons in May, an increase of 16.4% over April, and an increase of 106% compared to a year ago.  Shipments were also up 4.6% compared to the month’s five-year average. May loadings at U.S. ports increased 118% compared to a year ago.  Shipments from Canadian ports rose 38%.

Year-to-date the Lakes ore trade stands at 15.8 million net tons, an increase of 140% compared to the same point last year.  The end-of-May total is also within striking distance of the five-year average for the January-May timeframe.  Shipments from U.S. ports are up 162% compared to a year ago.  Loadings at Canadian ports are 32% ahead of last year’s pace.