Port Houston study reveals $986.9 billion economic impact

Port Houston has released findings from a new economic impact study by Martin Associates. The study shows marine cargo activity along the Houston Ship Channel supported $986.9 billion in total US economic value and 3.53 million jobs in 2025. Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston, said: “The Houston Ship Channel is one of the country’s most important economic corridors, and these findings demonstrate its impact far beyond our region. Manufacturers, energy producers, businesses, and consumers across the country depend on this critical gateway to move products.” Within Texas, the report found marine cargo activity along the Ship Channel supported $537.7 billion in annual economic value, equivalent to 18.5 per cent of the state’s GDP, with benefits reaching 98 per cent of Texas counties. Activity at public and private facilities supported 1.89 million Texas jobs and generated $15.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. The findings mark significant growth since the previous Martin Associates report. Between 2022 and 2025, economic value supported by maritime activity in the region rose by $98.4 billion, while Texas jobs supported by port activity increased by 345,755, a 22 per cent rise. READ: Port Houston posts record H1 2026 container volumes Nationally, total economic value rose 9 per cent compared with 2022, while jobs supported grew 5 per cent. State and local tax revenue in Texas climbed 47 per cent over the same period. The study measured economic impacts generated by cargo and vessel activity at Port Houston’s eight public terminals and more than 200 private facilities along the Houston Ship Channel, drawing on data from over 1,000 firms across cargo movement, transportation, logistics and manufacturing. Steve Kean, President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, said: “Houston has long been one of the world’s leading energy gateways, and the impact of the Houston Ship Channel today extends far beyond any single industry. Businesses across the country rely on the Houston region to move raw materials, finished goods and energy products. “The report’s findings underscore the Houston Ship Channel’s role as an economic engine for our region and one of the nation’s most important strategic assets.” For more information: Port Houston – https://porthouston.com/