The Port of Milwaukee has seen an increase in grain and steel shipments in 2016, suggesting an increase in economic activity that bodes well for the region’s economy.
Steel shipments are up 7 percent for the year and grain shipments have more than doubled, according to port director Paul Vornholt.
“Activity at the Port of Milwaukee continues at a brisk pace with both steel and grin volumes ahead of last year,” Vorholt said. “We expect continued strength through the final quarter of the year.
Port spokesman Jeff Fleming said overall volumes at the port are actually down because the recent mild winter led to decreased demand for salt.
The Port of Green Bay saw an improvement in its tonnage for the second straight month in September and foreign imports of limestone increased during the month.
“That’s a good trend to see and is reflective, in part, of the economy as well as the variable nature of shipping,” said Dean Haen, Brown County Port and resource recovery director. “We are hopeful the trend will continue through the end of the shipping season.”
However, the St. Lawrence Seaway reported cargo shipments are down 5.3 percent through Sept. 30, with iron ore down 13 percent, coal down 15 percent and general cargo down 3 percent.
Fleming said while the Port of Milwaukee tracks volumes and shipments on a month-to-month basis, it is also important to take a longer-term view, noting the port would be taking delivery this fall of a new crane meant to help with off-loading.
“Were making an investment because there’s a belief that the future will be very good for the Port of Milwaukee,” Fleming said.
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