GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Officials are remaining hopeful as the shipping season heads into its final stretch, despite a seven percent decrease in cargo totals from last year.
Nearly 1.5 million tons of cargo have moved through the Port of Green Bay, but the port’s annual goal is 2 million. The next two months could be an important indicator of the Northeast Wisconsin economy.
“Historically, the Port serves as a local economic indicator for Northeast Wisconsin,” said Port of Green Bay Director Dean Haen. “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.”
The decreased cargo means that agricultural, construction and manufacturing industries serviced by the port are ordering fewer raw materials, explained Haen.
However, October saw a 46% increased in the tons of coal imported since last year. Cement also appears to remain strong.
While coal and cement appear to be doing well, limestone is still the top cargo for the port. Other imported products include salt and petroleum products.
So far this year, there have been 129 ship visits in the port. Last October, there had already been 148.
