WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA — Canadian National Railway Co. (CN) said it moved more than 2.3 million tonnes of western Canadian grain in June, up from 1.99 million tonnes in June 2018 and compared with 1.8 million tonnes as the three-year average for the month.

CN said the cumulative total of tonnage moved for the 2018-19 crop year is on pace to exceed 25.5 million tonnes, which would top the previous record pace by 1 million tonnes. The gains have come despite restrictions on Canadian exports to China, CN said.

“Our dedication to providing outstanding service for the Canadian economy contributes to Canada’s reputation as a strong and stable supply chain provider,” said JJ Ruest, president and chief executive officer at CN. “We are investing $210 million in rail capacity in North Vancouver to support the expanding coal and grain export terminals and to further encourage the growth of natural resources export supply chains.”

Allen Foster, vice-president of bulk at CN, added, “Our investments and dedicated grain team focused our efforts onto what is going to be a record year. We are optimistic that the strong pace of shipments we’ve seen in June takes us through to the end of the crop year and we can build on our record shipment pace.”