DULUTH, Minn., U.S.A.—Total waterborne commerce in the Port of Duluth-Superior through August increased seven percent from the same period in 1996, the Seaway Port Authority of Duluth reported today.

Tonnage statistics through August show year-to-date cargo totaled 20.9 million metric tons compared with 19.6 million tons for the same period a year ago. Despite the increase, this year’s total is three percent behind the five-year average of 21.5 million tons.

Domestic trade increased from last year by 12 percent to 16.4 million metric tons. International trade of 4.4 million tons showed an eight percent decrease from last year.

The Port’s three principal cargoes of iron ore, coal and grain contributed 88 percent of total commerce. Iron ore equaled 45 percent with 9.3 million metric tons. Coal’s 36 percent share of total commerce at 7.5 million metric tons evidenced the ever-increasing demand for low-sulfur coal. Grain shipments of 1.5 million tons contributed seven percent. Grain shipments were hampered in the early season by flood-induced rail and truck delays, but are expected to increase as the fall harvest continues.

Vessel calls through August totaled 536 compared with 554 in 1996. There were 379 U.S.-flag arrivals, 103 Canadian-flag arrivals and 54 overseas vessels making up that total.

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CONTACT: Ray Skelton, Environmental & Government Affairs Director

Lisa Marciniak, Port Promotion Manager