A surge in U.S. construction has led to strong demand for construction materials through the St. Lawrence Seaway since the start of the season in April, but total shipments are down still down 8.4 …
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A surge in U.S. construction has led to strong demand for construction materials through the St. Lawrence Seaway since the start of the season in April, but total shipments are down still down 8.4 percent.
St. Lawrence Seaway officials say the transport of dry bulk cargo is at nearly 3 million metric tons, up 7.5 percent through the first part of the season, April 2 through June 30. Leading the way are 102,000 metric tons of stone, a 24 percent increase. Cement products saw a healthy upswing to 563,000 metric tons, a 9.5 percent increase.
In addition to construction materials, U.S. grain also remains strong. Thus far, 470,000 metric tons of grain has come through the Seaway from April 2 through June 30, a 17.2 percent increase over the same time period last year.
Across the board, however, total year-to-date (April 2 through June 30) cargo on the Seaway was 10.4 million metric tons, down 8.4 percent, with iron ore down almost 12 percent and coal shipments down 32 percent. Despite the numbers, officials say that it’s still too early in the season to predict an outcome and are optimistic the Seaway will see a boost.
Monthly totals of shipping can be seen here http://www.greatlakes-seaway.com/en/pdf/tonnage2015_en.pdf