DULUTH, Minn., U.S.A.—Despite monthly deficits in November for ore and grain commodities, Duluth-Superior’s port commerce for the year stayed on pace with 1996 figures and the five-year average, according to a monthly tonnage report released by the Seaway Port Authority of Duluth today.

November ore shipments were down 27 percent and grain shipments were down 35 percent from the same month in 1996. Year-to-date waterborne commerce, however, was virtually the same—33,284,089 metric tons in 1997 versus 33,294,750 tons in 1996 (a three hundredths of one percent decrease). Total waterborne commerce trailed the five-year average of 33.7 million metric tons by two percent.

Domestic trade increased from last year by three percent to 24.6 million metric tons. International trade of 8.5 million metric tons represented an eight percent decrease from last year’s figures.

The port’s three principal cargoes of iron ore, coal and grain equaled 89 percent of total commerce through November. Iron ore led at 43 percent with its 14.3 million metric tons. Coal came in second at 36 percent with its 11.8 million metric tons, and grain contributed 10 percent with 3.4 million tons.

Vessel arrivals through November of 906 showed a decrease of 46 from the same period last year. There were 581 U.S.-flag, 207 Canadian-flag and 118 overseas vessels visiting the port.

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CONTACT: Ray Skelton, Environmental & Government Affairs Director