Freight News, Road, Sea

Port Milwaukee: Great Lakes Demonstrate Value

[ June 20, 2025   //   Gary Burrows ]

Benefitting from a major U.S. policy change, Port Milwaukee held an event June 16 to spotlight the vital role the Great Lakes maritime industry plays in regional economic development, international trade, and community prosperity.

On April 17, the U.S. Trade Representative’s final determination exempts Great Lakes vessels from the US$1.5 million port fees associated with the Section 301 investigation into Chinese-built ships. This exemption, secured through advocacy efforts and the support of Rep. Gwen Moore, underscores the unique operational and economic realities of Great Lakes shipping, and the importance of fair, harmonized trade policy.

The event also demonstrated Port Milwaukee’s powerful platform to showcase how it promotes the movement of goods, supports job creation, and drives sustainable growth across the Great Lakes region and the local economy.

“Our port supports manufacturers across the upper Midwest and is a valuable transportation link for agricultural products grown in the region,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “Our port also provides good local jobs, offering family-supporting wages through our many partners at Port Milwaukee.”

The event also highlighted the port’s role as a community asset, connecting local industry to global markets and reinforcing its strategic importance in North American trade.

“Port Milwaukee is open for business – Business is the reason that we exist. Our work is built around supporting the ability to move goods and products through international markets using the safest, cleanest, most efficient mode of transportation – maritime shipping,” said Port Milwaukee Director Jackie Q. Carter. “We will continue to work with port partners, educating and advocating to ensure that we remain open for business.”

Tags: Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Port Milwaukee, U.S. Trade Representative