Shipping and Logistics

July 14, 2020
Pandemic Cuts Shipping on Great Lakes
Written by Sandy Williams
Shipping on the Great Lakes is feeling the stress of a pandemic-weakened steel industry. Automotive shutdowns this year reduced demand for steel products, which in turn led to the temporary idling of several integrated mills. Less steel production means less demand for taconite pellets that are shipped by lake carriers from the Iron Range.
“When mills start idling and there is less demand for steel, it’s a trickle-down effect. It affects the supply and demand for that product all the way back to the mines itself,” said Duluth Seaway Port Authorities Director of Marketing Jayson Hron.


