Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3,257,853 net tons in November, a decrease of 13.2 percent from October, but an increase of 1.2 percent compared to a year ago, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) ^[1]. November loadings were also 5.6 percent below the month’s five-year average.

Shipments from U.S. quarries increased 10.9 percent compared to a year ago, but were 6.3 percent below the month’s five-year average. Loadings at Canadian quarries rose by 16.9 percent compared to a year ago, and nearly pulled even with the month’s five-year average, according to LCA.

Through November the limestone trade stands at 26.7 million tons, a slight decrease – 156,000 tons – compared to the same point in 2010, but a drop of 10.5 percent compared to the five-year average for the for the January to November time frame.

Great Lakes Limestone Trade: NOVEMBER 2006-2011 and 5-Year Average
(net tons)

Great Lakes Limestone Trade: Year-To-Date 2006-2011 and 5-Year Average
(net tons)

U.S. ports: Calcite, Mich.; Cedarville, Mich.; Drummond Island, Mich.; Kelly’s Island, Ohio; Marblehead, Ohio; Port Inland, Mich.; and Presque Isle, Mich. Kelly’s Island ceased operations in the fall of 2009. Canadian ports: Bruce Mines, Manitoulin Island, Port Colborne, and Smelter Bay (all Ontario). Port Colborne ceased shipping by vessel in 2006.

Information based on data sources believed to be reliable. However, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Lake Carriers’ Association assumes no legal responsibility for the outcome of decisions or commitments made on the basis of this information. This report represents the views of Lake Carriers’ Association and may not necessarily represent the views of its individual members.