Limestone trade holding strong on the Great Lakes

By |  September 11, 2019

Logo: Lake Carriers Association

Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 4.3 million tons in July, an increase of 7.9 percent compared to a year ago.

The trade bettered the month’s five-year average by 11 percent, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA).

Loadings from U.S. quarries totaled 3.485 million tons, an increase of 10.9 percent compared to 2018. Shipments from Canadian quarries dropped to 814,790 tons, a decrease of 3.3 percent.

Year to date, the Great Lakes limestone trade stands at 15.1 million tons, an increase of 13.4 percent compared to a year ago. Loadings from Michigan and Ohio quarries total 12.39 million tons, an increase of 14.2 percent. Shipments from quarries in Ontario, Canada, total 2.7 million tons, an increase of 9.8 percent compared to last year.

LCA represents 13 U.S. companies that operate 46 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes and carry raw materials such as aggregate. Collectively, LCA’s members can transport more than 90 million tons of dry-bulk cargo per year and employ more than 1,600 men and women.

Kevin Yanik

About the Author:

Kevin Yanik is editor-in-chief of Pit & Quarry. He can be reached at 216-706-3724 or kyanik@northcoastmedia.net.

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