Freight News

May 08, 2026

Great Lakes iron ore trade increased by 5.3 percent in April

The Lake Carriers' Association reports that iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 3.9 million tons in April, an increase of 5.3 percent compared to 2025.

Shipments were 9.4 percent below the month's 5-year average.

Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stands at 6.8 million tons, an increase of less than one percent compared to a year ago. Through April, iron ore shipments are 13.5 percent below their 5-year average for four months of the year.

Source: Lake Carriers' Association