The Houston Ship Channel continues to serve as a critical economic engine and trade gateway for the nation. Findings from a new economic impact study shows the Houston Ship Channel supported $986.9 billion in U.S. economic value and 3.53 million jobs in 2025.
Conducted every four years by Martin Associates, the study measures the economic impact of cargo and vessel activity at Port Houston’s eight public terminals and more than 200 private facilities along the 52-mile Houston Ship Channel.
What is Port Houston’s Impact on the Texas Economy?
In Texas alone, activity along the Houston Ship Channel supported $537.7 billion in economic value in 2025, equal to 18.5% of the state’s GDP. That’s an increase of $98.4 billion since 2022.
VIEW 2022 DATA: Study: Houston Ship Channel Contributed More Than $900 Billion to U.S. Economy
The Houston Ship Channel also supported 1.89 million Texas jobs and $15.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. Since 2022, the number of Texas jobs supported by Houston Ship Channel activity has increased by 345,755, while state and local tax revenue has grown by $5 billion.
How Does the Ship Channel Support Houston’s Role in Global Trade?
The Houston Ship Channel’s growing economic impact reflects Houston’s broader strength as a global trade hub. In 2025, Houston led all U.S. metros in exports, shipping more than $177 billion in goods and commodities overseas, according to the Greater Houston Partnership’s Global Houston 2026 publication. The region has ranked as the nation’s top exporting metro in 13 of the past 14 years.
“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,” said Steve Kean, Partnership President and CEO. “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.”
What’s Next for the Houston Ship Channel?
Cargo activity along the Houston Ship Channel continues to grow, with tonnage up 16% year to date through June 2026, according to Port Houston. That growth highlights the importance of continued investment in the Houston Ship Channel’s capacity and infrastructure.
Project 11, the Houston Ship Channel’s current expansion project, is nearing completion. Port Houston finished its portion of the dredging in 2025, widening parts of the channel to improve safety, efficiency and access for larger vessels. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is completing the remaining work, with the full project expected to wrap up in 2029.
Meanwhile, planning is beginning for Project 12, the next potential expansion. Port Houston and the Army Corps are launching a feasibility study that will primarily explore further deepening the channel to support larger vessels and future trade growth.