Great Lakes iron ore trade ends year down 12.8%

CLEVELAND, Ohio. — Iron ore trade in the Great Lakes has fallen 12.8% in 2025.

According to officials with the Lake Carriers Association, the year-end total for the iron ore trade decreased by 12.8 percent to 43.4 million tons.

Shipments of iron ore totalled 4.2 million tons in December,  an 8.8% drop compared to 2024.

Officials say shipments were also below the 5-year average for the month by 7.6%