A total of 2,322,072 metric tons of cargo were shipped through Port Milwaukee, an increase of 4% compared to shipping activity at the port in 2024, according to new figures released today by the city of Milwaukee.

Dry bulk, Port Milwaukee’s largest commodity category, experienced a 6% increase in 2025, the city said. Salt tonnage coming through the port was down compared to 2024, but the port had increases in limestone, agricultural products, and other dry bulk materials in 2025.

The port had a 2% increase in steel volume in 2025. That was “mostly attributed to customers inventorying earlier in the international shipping season in an effort to get ahead of anticipated tariff increases,” a news release from the city states.

The amount of materials shipped through Port Milwaukee and the St. Lawrence Seaway was up 78% in 2025, which the city said “was driven largely by movements of steel and agricultural products. The majority of this activity involved trade with European markets, with additional shipments moving between Port Milwaukee and the Middle East and Northern Africa.”

Port Milwaukee welcomed one new carrier and 10 first-time vessel visits in 2025.

“Port Milwaukee demonstrated resilience and adaptability in a changing global trade environment in 2025,” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “The port’s growth in international vessel traffic and an increase in key commodities proves the port’s value to suppliers and manufacturers who depend on efficiency, reliability, and access to global markets.”

“Port Milwaukee’s successful year is due to strong partnerships with terminal operators, carriers, and customers who continue to see the port as a strategic hub for both Great Lakes and international trade,” port director Benji Timm said. “As we head into 2026, Port Milwaukee will continue to work closely with our partners to have a positive impact across the city, state, and region.”