DULUTH, Minn., U.S.A.—Total waterborne commerce in the Port of Duluth-Superior through July increased 5.4 percent from the same period in 1996, the Seaway Port Authority of Duluth reported today.

Tonnage statistics through July 1997 show year-to-date cargo totaled 16.1 million metric tons, still trailing the five-year average of 17.1 million tons by six percent. Domestic trade increased from last year by 10.5 percent to 12.6 million metric tons while international trade of 3.5 million tons reflected a 10 percent decrease.

Iron ore, coal and grain, the Port’s three principal cargoes, equaled 90.3 percent of total commerce. Although iron ore shipments of 7.4 million metric tons showed a 5.6 percent increase from last year’s figure of seven million tons, it’s down from its usual 50 percent share of all cargo to 46.3 percent. Coal picked up the slack with a total of 5.9 million metric tons, 14.2 percent over last year’s 5.2 million tons, and 36.8 percent of this year’s total commerce—up from its recent average of 30 percent. Grain shipments are experiencing a normal summer slowdown, contributing 7.2 percent of total commerce with 1.1 million tons. Grain shipments are expected to increase as the fall harvest commences.

Vessel calls through July totaled 421 compared with 428 in 1996. There were 301 U.S.-flag arrivals, 75 Canadian-flag arrivals and 45 overseas vessels making up that total.

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