Great Lakes ore shipments in 2009 lowest since 1938

NORTH AMERICA's Great Lakes iron ore shipments totalled 31.8 million net tons in 2009, the lowest since 1938 in the Great Depression, according to the Lake Carriers' Association (LCA).

Shipments were 46 per cent lower than 2008's 59.2 million net tons, according to the LCA, as reported by America Shipper. This represents the 18 American companies that operate 55 US-flag vessels on the Great Lakes. The trade's historic high was 107.3 million in 1953 and its low was four million tons in 1932.

Low US steel production last year was blamed with mills operating at 35 per cent capacity, but now plants are producing up to 70 per cent capacity.

(Source: www.schednet.com)