The Partnership sends updates for the most important economic indicators each month. If you would like to opt-in to receive these updates, please click here.

Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute

TRADE VALUE

Seaborne trade through the Houston-area ports—Freeport, Galveston, Houston, and Texas City—was valued at $155.0 billion through July of ‘24, a 3.2 percent increase from $150.2 billion over the comparable period in ’23. Exports are up $8.8 billion (10.8 percent). Imports are down $4.0 billion (5.9 percent). 

VALUE

Although imports and exports of mineral fuels, oil, and refined products are driving the increase from ’23, a reduction in industrial machinery and organic chemicals shipments moderated the year-over-year change. 

TONNAGE

The four seaports in the metro area handled 157.2 billion metric tons of cargo through July ’24, an 8.7 percent increase from the 144.7 billion handled over the comparable period in ’23. Export tonnage was up 11.4 percent; import tonnage was up 1.3 percent.

The region saw increased exports of mineral fuels, oil, and refined products, while shipments of cereals fell. 

Imports of organic chemicals and iron and steel saw an increase, while articles of iron or steel and salt, sulfur, stone, lime, and cement plaster decreased.
 

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