X

St. Lawrence Seaway shipping officials report mixed results; signs for optimism

Posted 5/20/22

U.S. Great Lakes ports reported mixed results for the start of the spring shipping season on the St. Lawrence Seaway, with gains and losses heavily tied to global trading conditions and Lake Superior …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

St. Lawrence Seaway shipping officials report mixed results; signs for optimism

Posted

U.S. Great Lakes ports reported mixed results for the start of the spring shipping season on the St. Lawrence Seaway, with gains and losses heavily tied to global trading conditions and Lake Superior ice-breaking resources.

U.S. grain exports, steel imports, road salt and containerized goods were strong performers.

“Inadequate ice-breaking resources in Lake Superior had a major impact on cargo shipments out of the port of Duluth-Superior, which underlines how much we need new and improved capacity for the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaking fleet,” says Bruce Burrows, President and CEO of the Chamber of Marine Commerce.

Overall cargo shipments (from March 22 to April 30) via the St. Lawrence Seaway totaled 3.5 million metric tons, down by 18 percent compared to the same period in 2021. Iron ore volumes were down 23 per cent.

Year-to-date U.S. grain shipments via the Seaway totaled 176,000 metric tons, up 175 percent compared to 2021. Road salt shipments were also up 21 percent, as Canadian mines delivered to cities throughout the bi-national region.

“On a more positive note, grain exports from U.S. ports were in strong demand along with shipments of salt, steel and containers. We expect that the demand for different cargo segments will continue to be impacted by fluctuating prices and trade flows related to global supply chain issues and the Russia/Ukraine conflict.”