Great Lakes limestone trade continues on upward trajectory

Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.3 million tons in November, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA).

The 3.3 million tons represent an increase of 16.8 percent compared to a year ago. Limestone cargos were 18.4 percent above the month’s five-year average.

Loadings from U.S. quarries increased 19.1 percent from 2020 to 2.7 million tons. Shipments from Canadian quarries totaled 625,608 tons, an increase of 7.6 percent.

On the year, LCA says the Great Lakes limestone trade stands at nearly 28 million tons for an increase of 9.9 percent versus a year ago. Loadings from Michigan and Ohio quarries are up 9.5 percent to 22.2 million tons, while shipments from Ontario, Canada, quarries total 5.8 million tons for an increase of 11.2 percent from 2020.