Positive momentum for Great Lakes limestone trade continues

Limestone shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 3.7 million tons in September, the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) reports.

The mark represents an increase of 10.4 percent compared to one year ago. Additionally, limestone cargos were above September’s five-year average by 5.2 percent.

Loadings from U.S. quarries totaled 3 million tons in September for an increase of 12.2 percent versus September 2020. Shipments from Canadian quarries totaled 684,234 tons for an increase of 8.3 percent versus September 2020.

Through nine months of 2021, LCA says the Great Lakes limestone trade stands at 21 million tons. That figure is an increase of 9.1 percent versus the first nine months of 2020.

2021 loadings from Michigan and Ohio quarries totaled 16.5 million tons through September for an increase of 7.5 percent. 2021 shipments from Ontario quarries totaled 4.6 million tons through September for an increase 15.5 percent.