(Green Bay, Wis.) – More than 180,000 tons of cargo moved through the Port of Green Bay in October, bringing the year-to-date total to nearly 1.5 million tons. With just more than two months remaining in the 2022 shipping season, cargo totals are running about 7% behind the same time period a year ago.
In October, limestone was again the top cargo with domestic limestone imports reaching 80,676 tons and foreign limestone imports of 26,919 tons. Limestone has many uses; as a soil conditioner, in environmental protection applications, in livestock feed and as white pigment or filler in paper products, toothpaste, paint and other products.
October also saw 31,908 tons of cement moving through the Port while coal shipments also remained strong. For the year, 158,902 tons of coal has been imported, a 46% increase over last year at this time.
“Cargo tonnages received seem to be slowing down, which means the agricultural, construction and manufacturing industries the Port serves are ordering fewer raw materials,” said Dean Haen, Port of Green Bay Director. “Historically, the Port serves as a local economic indicator for Northeast Wisconsin. We are still hoping to see strong tonnage in November and December as well as early January to get us close to our annual goal of 2 million tons. Reaching that level is an indication our local economy will remain strong into the first quarter of 2023.”
In addition to limestone, cement and coal, the Port also saw salt (11,346 tons) and petroleum products (7,921 tons) imports In October along with exports of ash (4,572 tons) and petroleum products (2,086 tons).
Fifteen ships moved through the Port last month. For the 2022 shipping season there have been 129 ship visits compared to 148 through October in 2021.
