SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
HOUSTON TRADE AND LOGISTICS
Ensuring long-term viability
Energy exports, diverse cargo, infrastructure investments shape Houston trade outlook
By Nicole Rollender
Amid shifting trade patterns, supply chain disruption and heightened global demand, Houston remained the top exporting metro in the United States in 2025, exporting $ 177.3 billion in goods and commodities. Port Houston, the largest port in Texas and the fastestgrowing container port in the US, set a record for container traffic in 2025— 4.3 million TEUs handled, an increase of 3.9 % from 2024.
Now, the region is positioning itself for long-term trade growth through terminal upgrades, supply chain shifts and industrial development.
“ Port Houston has two of the nation’ s most efficient container terminals, Bayport and Barbours Cut,” said Eric Casey, the port’ s chief operating officer.
“ The Houston Ship Channel is the busiest waterway in the United States for tonnage and vessel visits. More than 200 private facilities and eight public facilities owned and operated by Port Houston line the channel, including the Bayport and Barbours Cut container terminals.
“ Continued investments in our terminals and in the Houston Ship Channel further strengthen Houston’ s ability to accommodate larger vessels, support demand, and provide customers with reliable access to domestic and international markets,” Casey added.
The channel, which supported just under $ 1 trillion in economic impact nationwide in 2025, also leads the nation in waterborne tonnage, handling 306 million short tons of cargo. Last year, marine cargo activity along the channel also supported $ 537.7 billion in annual economic value in Texas alone, equivalent to 18.5 % of the state’ s GDP.
“ This is fueled by a growing population and a thriving, efficient ecosystem through which to move goods,” Casey said.“ Port Houston’ s unique location and low-cost, high-service, low-risk mentality enable users to efficiently move cargo and also identify opportunities afforded by a reliable network of labor, logistics providers and economic development incentives to invest in Texas.”
The metro area that includes Houston, Pasadena and The Woodlands is home to 7.9 million residents as of July 2025,
$ 25 billion to $ 50 billion in annual merchandise received, facilitates up to $ 5 billion in exports and helps sustain approximately 10,000 regional jobs.
“ FTZ 84 gives businesses greater flexibility in managing imports, exports, manufacturing and inventory needs,” Casey said.“ Through duty deferral, tariff mitigation strategies and streamlined customs procedures, companies can lower costs, improve cash flow and strengthen supply chain performance.”
Continuous cargo diversification After a record 4.3 million TEUs in 2025, Port Houston has continued to see
“ Port Houston’ s multipurpose facilities continue to represent the largest breakbulk, steel and project cargo complex in North America.”
according to the US Census Bureau. The area also welcomed 126,720 residents between July 2024 and July 2025, the largest numerical gain among US metros. The Houston-Galveston Area Council projects that approximately 10.7 million area residents will reside in its eight-county region by 2050.
Foreign Trade Zone 84 also operates as part of the region’ s supply chain infrastructure. Administered by Port Houston, FTZ 84 supports an estimated positive container activity. Through August 2026, its terminals handled 2.97 million TEUs, up 1 % year over year. Additionally, loaded imports rose 5 %, with East Asia leading growth at 12 % and accounting for 57 % of loaded container imports.
More than 85 % of containerized cargo imports and exports through Port Houston’ s containers terminals are destined for or originate within Texas.
The top categories driving import growth include machinery and electronics,
44 Journal of Commerce | November 2, 2026 www. joc. com