Shipments of iron ore from U.S. ports on the Great Lakes fell 14.2 percent in September 2025 compared with the same month in 2024, totaling 4.7 million tons. The figure was 7.4 percent below the month’s five-year average, Lake Carriers’ Association said in a statement.
From January through September, iron ore trade reached 31.4 million tons, a 14 percent decline from the previous year.
For the first three quarters of 2025, iron ore loadings were 6.6 percent below their five-year average.
Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) is the U.S. trade organization representing companies operating vessels under the U.S. flag on the Great Lakes. Founded in 1880, the association advocates for maritime policy, regulatory issues, and infrastructure related to Great Lakes shipping. It is based in Cleveland, Ohio.
