Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes reached 3.5 million tons in June, marking a 6.5 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association. However, this figure was still 1.9 percent below the five-year average for June.
U.S. quarries saw a significant rise in loadings, totaling 2.9 million tons, which is a 12.2 percent increase compared to last year. In contrast, shipments from Canadian quarries fell by 13.4 percent to 639,301 tons.
The year-to-date data reveals that the total limestone trade on the Lakes stands at 9.1 million tons, reflecting a decrease of 6.5 percent compared to last year’s figures. Loadings from Michigan and Ohio quarries decreased by 4 percent to reach 7.5 million tons in comparison to 2024’s numbers, while shipments from Ontario quarries totaled 1.6 million tons, showing a decline of 16.5 percent.
The Lake Carriers’ Association has been representing the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet since its inception in 1880. The fleet plays a crucial role in transporting over 90 million tons of cargo annually that support American industry and infrastructure.
