Great Lakes limestone trade down 14 percent in 2020

Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes decreased 14.7 percent in 2020 – or 26.6. million tons – compared to the prior year, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA).

2020’s loadings were 7.2 percent below the limestone trade’s five-year average, LCA says.

In 2020, loadings from U.S. quarries decreased 17.8 percent compared to 2019 to a total of 21.1 million tons.

In contrast, Canadian quarries totaled 5.5 million tons – a relatively flat mark from 2019’s totals and 9.7 percent above the five-year average.

LCA represents the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can move more than 90 million tons of cargos each year. Cargos moved include stone, coal, cement and other dry bulk materials such as grain, salt and sand.