GLIN==> Lake Coal Trade Dips a Bit in April

Coal shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 2.5 million net tons in April, a decrease of 9.5 percent compared to a year ago.  However, given that the economy was in low gear a year ago, the month's 5-year average is the better measure, and in that regard, this April's loadings are more than 32 percent off the pace.



Shipments of western coal from Lake Superior fell by a third.  The drop-off reflects some later sailings for U.S.-flag colliers that were undergoing modernization and maintenance over the winter and a pressing need to resupply some steel mills with iron ore at the resumption of navigation.



The 81-percent increase in coal loadings from Lake Erie ports is the result of low inventories at a utility and a steel mill.



Year-to-date, the Lakes coal trade is on par with a year ago, but 57 percent below the 5-year average for the January-April timeframe.



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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