Port of Toledo Seeing Significant Increases in Grain Exports

TOLEDO, OH – Corn is one of the largest crops in northwest Ohio, and some of what’s grown here is shipped around the world. This year, there’s been a sizeable increase in the amount of corn leaving the Port of Toledo for foreign markets.

Grain crops like corn, wheat and beans are up about three times compared with this time last year. A big part of the boost comes from corn. The reason behind it might surprise you.

More than 500 freighters come in and out of the Port of Toledo carrying about ten million tons of cargo in an average year. The port has a diverse portfolio when it comes to the materials on board.

Joe Cappel is the vice president of business development for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “We have our large-scale commodities like coal, iron ore and grain. But we also handle things like salt, cement, aluminum and steel as well as break-bulk cargo. The big items you may see being hauled on the highway,” said Cappel.

While a lot of the focus is shipping products throughout North America, the port sees ripple effects from around the world.

“Toledo is tied to global markets, so what’s happening in one part of the world in terms of geo-political events or weather can make it better or worse for exporting out of the Port of Toledo. What’s happening with Russia and Ukraine means less corn is being exported from the Black Sea region, which opens up opportunities for other regions to export more corn. Toledo happens to be one of them,” said Cappel.

When it comes to grain, the numbers have taken a big jump. “We were doing was about 100,000 tons last year. Now, we saw about 350,000 tons through May. It is a big increase from 2025 to 2026. So much of that grain number is corn being exported from the Port of Toledo,” said Cappel.

All the commodities that move in and out of Toledo have a significant effect on our economy.

“Eight thousand jobs and more than one billion in economic activity are generated as a result of the 13 marine terminals that load and unload cargo,” Cappel said.

The goal is to make sure the port continues to expand its reach, working in concert with all the important elements along our river.

“The industrial activity at the port meshes very well with all the commercial, residential, the development and the parks. We have enough waterfront for everyone. It all has a place here. It helps generate jobs and contributes to our quality of life,” said Cappel.

A new project aimed at looking ahead is about to get underway. “The port is getting ready to launch a seaport master plan that look at things like land use, opportunity for the port, infrastructure and prepare us for the future,” said Cappel.

The Port of Toledo is one of the largest land mass ports on the Great Lakes, so there is plenty of room to expand, if needed. Work on that master plan is expected to get underway in the coming weeks.

WTVG