The year-to-date cargo total of 12.2 million metric tons still trailed the five-year average of 12.6 million tons by four percent. International trade of 2.6 million tons showed a slight decrease of one percent from last year. Domestic trade, however, increased from last year by 20 percent to 9.5 million metric tons.

The Port’s three principal cargoes of iron ore, coal and grain contributed nearly 91 percent of total commerce. Iron ore equaled 48 percent with 5.8 million metric tons. Coal’s 35 percent share of total commerce at 4.2 million tons evidenced the ever-increasing demand for the low-sulfur variety shipped through the Port. Grain shipments, hampered in the early season by flood-induced rail and truck delays, contributed eight percent with 937,340 tons.

Vessel calls through June totaled 312 compared with 299 in 1996. Making up that total were 224 U.S.-flag arrivals, 58 Canadian-flag arrivals and 30 overseas vessels.

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CONTACT: Ray Skelton, Environmental & Government Affairs Director