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TRADE VALUE

Seaborne trade through the Houston-area ports—Freeport, Galveston, Houston, and Texas City—was valued at $66.6 billion through March of ‘24, a 1.5 percent increase from $65.6 billion over the comparable period in ’23. Exports are up $3.6 billion (9.9 percent). Imports are down $2.6 billion (8.8 percent). 

VALUE

Although industrial machinery and vehicle exports are up from ’23, the drop in overall value reflects a reduction in crude, refined product, and organic chemicals shipments. 

TONNAGE

The four seaports in the metro area handled 68.2 billion metric tons of cargo through March ’24, an 11.5 percent increase from the 61.1 billion handled over the comparable period in ’23. Export tonnage was up 16.9 percent; import tonnage was down 2.8 percent.

The region saw increased exports of crude and refined products, while shipments of cereal grains fell. 

Imports of electrical machinery, equipment, and parts saw an increase, while articles of iron or steel saw a decrease.
 

Prepared by Greater Houston Partnership Research

Patrick Jankowski, CERP
Chief Economist
Senior Vice President, Research
pjankowski@houston.org

Leta Wauson
Director, Research
lwauson@houston.org