Duluth-Superior port generates $1.6 billion amid trade war challenges

The port of Duluth-Superior, located in the northernmost part of the United States near the Canadian border, plays a significant role in the global economy and trade. It handles over 30 million metric tons of cargo annually, ranking among the top 20 ports nationwide in terms of cargo flow. Products such as iron ore from Minnesota's Iron Range, cement from Turkey, and grains from various countries are crucial to its operation. In 2024, the trade dynamics shifted, with a fifth of the port's overall tonnage relating to Canadian trade, further complicated by the trade war between the United States and Canada that introduced tariffs and created uncertainty in supply chains. As the port supports approximately 7,000 jobs and contributes around $1.6 billion to the local economy, the trade war poses a risk to its future stability. Local leaders like Mr. Hron express concern over how unpredictability affects trade and supply chains, particularly with a significant portion of cargo destined for Canada now subject to trade tariffs.