GLIN==> U.S.-Flag Lakes Cargos Increase 50 Percent in April

CLEVELAND-The U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet hauled 7.6 million tons of dry-bulk cargo in April, an increase of 50 percent compared to a year ago.  The total was, however, about 15 percent off the month's 5-year average.



The resurgence in steel production again generated a significant rebound in iron ore cargos.  U.S.-flag lakers moved 4 million tons of taconite pellets in April, more than double the volume of a year ago.



The steel industry has been recording steady increases in production for several months now.  As April came to an end, the industry was using 72 percent of its capacity, compared to 42 percent a year ago.



The limestone trade also showed signs of stirring in April.  Stone cargos hauled in U.S. bottoms totaled 1.7 million tons, an increase of more than 47 percent.



Coal cargos decreased 15 percent in April.  The fall-off is in part due to later sailing dates for some vessels that are engaged in the coal trade.



For the year, U.S.-flag carriage stands at 12.7 million tons, an increase of 92 percent compared to the same point last year.  However, compared to the 5-year average for the January-April timeframe, U.S.-flag cargos are 14.4 percent off the pace.



See attached for more details.

Glen G. Nekvasil
Vice President - Corporate Communications
Lake Carriers' Association
Suite 720
20325 Center Ridge Rd.
Rocky River, OH  44116
Phone: 440-333-9996
Cell: 216-702-6360


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