Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 5.1 million tons in August 2026, representing a 2 percent increase compared to the same month in 2025, according to data from the Lake Carriers' Association. However, August shipments remained 5.1 percent below the five-year average for the month. Year-to-date performance showed stronger growth, with iron ore trade rising 3 percent to 27.5 million tons through August 2026.
Despite this year-over-year improvement, year-to-date shipments remain below their five-year average by 5.2 percent, indicating that current volumes have not yet recovered to historical levels. Shipment data from the Lake Carriers' Association reveals that major Great Lakes iron ore ports handled varying volumes in August. Two Harbors, Minnesota recorded the highest monthly throughput, followed by Superior, Wisconsin and Duluth, Minnesota.
Other significant ports included Marquette, Michigan, Silver Bay, Minnesota, and Cleveland, Ohio. The data includes transshipments to Quebec City for shipment overseas and provides comprehensive tracking of iron ore movements across the Great Lakes maritime system. The Lake Carriers' Association notes that while the information is based on data from knowledgeable sources, accuracy cannot be guaranteed and the organization assumes no legal responsibility for decisions made based on this information.
These figures demonstrate the importance of Great Lakes shipping in North American iron ore supply chains, particularly for domestic steelmakers and international export markets.
Source: marinelink.com