New report on the port's economic contribution
Updated analysis of Port Houston confirms its status as one of the country's most economically significant ports: the estimate shows that port activity supports nearly 1 trillion dollars in economic activity, equivalent to roughly 3% of U.S. GDP.
The study was conducted by Martin Associates at the request of the port and is an update of the 2022 work. By 2025, the total economic impact of the port had grown by about $100 billion, reflecting significant growth in business at the Houston Ship Channel.
Jobs and earnings
- According to the report, port-related economic activity supports 3.5 million jobs nationwide, or about 1 in 50 jobs in the United States.
- In the state of Texas, 1.9 million jobs; this is a 22% increase compared with 2022.
- Directly at the port, including its terminals and contractors, about 92,000 people are employed.
- Annual payroll for these positions is about $8.5 billion, or roughly $92,000 per person on average.
It is noted that most jobs depend on trade through the port to varying degrees but are not part of its day-to-day operational activity.
Why this scale
The key driver of the national impact remains oil and gas and chemical cargo handling. The port terminals handle almost 300 million tons of cargo a year, most of which is in the form of liquid bulk cargo.
As noted by the port CEO, Charlie Jenkins, Houston Ship Channel is one of the country’s most important economic corridors, and manufacturers, energy companies, businesses, and consumers across the country rely on this route to transport products.
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