Cargo moving through the Houston Ship Channel supported an estimated $986.9 billion in annual economic value across the United States during 2025, according to a new economic-impact study released August 25.
The activity supported approximately 3.53 million jobs nationwide, including nearly 1.89 million in Texas, according to findings released by Port Houston. The study estimated that cargo moving through the port complex supported $537.7 billion in annual economic value within Texas.
Economic Effects Reach Nearly Every Texas County
Martin Associates conducted the study for Port Houston, using 2025 cargo activity data from more than 200 private facilities and eight public terminals along the Houston Ship Channel. Together, those facilities make up the Port of Houston complex. Port Houston is the local government corporation that operates the eight public terminals.
The study found that the cargo’s nationally supported economic value increased by 9% from 2022, while the number of supported jobs rose by 5% to 3,526,686.
“The Houston Ship Channel is one of the country’s most important economic corridors, and these findings demonstrate its impact far beyond our region,” Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins said in the official announcement. “Manufacturers, energy producers, businesses, and consumers across the country depend on this critical gateway to move products.”
Within Texas, the activity reached 98% of the state’s counties and supported 1,886,172 jobs, according to the study. That represented an increase of 345,755 supported jobs since 2022.
The study also estimated that the cargo activity generated $15.6 billion in state and local tax revenue, a 47% increase from 2022.
Port Houston said the $537.7 billion in statewide economic value was equivalent to 18.5% of Texas’ gross domestic product. That comparison does not mean the figure represents a direct contribution of that amount to the state’s GDP. Economic-impact studies also count activity generated through supply chains and related spending.
Energy and Manufacturing Gateway
The Houston Ship Channel connects the Gulf of America with one of the country’s largest concentrations of refineries, petrochemical plants, manufacturing operations, warehouses, and distribution centers.
The Port of Houston complex ranks first nationally in waterborne tonnage and foreign waterborne tonnage, according to Port Houston statistics. The complex handled 220.1 million short tons of foreign waterborne cargo during 2024 and accounted for 44% of all Texas port tonnage.
Petroleum and petroleum products make up a substantial portion of the cargo moving through the channel. The complex also handles containers, steel, machinery, automobiles, grain, chemicals, and other bulk and breakbulk commodities.
Those shipments connect Gulf Coast facilities with manufacturers, retailers, farms, and energy markets across Texas and the rest of the country.
Cargo Growth Continues in 2026
Port Houston’s public container terminals handled a record 4.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, during 2025, according to the port authority’s Ideal X infrastructure report.
That activity continued growing during 2026. Port Houston handled nearly 2.6 million TEUs through July, up 1% from the same period in 2025, according to its latest Houston Ship Channel report. Loaded container imports increased 5%, and general cargo rose 35%.
Across the broader Houston Ship Channel, total trade tonnage increased 16% through June compared with the same period in 2025. Exports climbed 22%, while imports declined 4%.
Port Houston plans to invest approximately $2.1 billion in landside infrastructure during the next five years. The port authority is also evaluating a possible third container terminal as it prepares for additional cargo growth.
The findings add to the role Texas ports play in the state and national economy. The Dallas Express previously reported on the Port of Corpus Christi’s position as a major outlet for crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
