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 $197.7 billion through September of ‘24, a 1.6 percent increase from $194.7 billion over the comparable period in ’23. Exports are up $7.9 billion (7.4 percent). Imports are down $4.9 billion (5.6 percent). 

VALUE

Although exports of mineral fuels, oil, and refined products, and beverages, spirits, and vinegar are driving the increase from ’23, a reduction in imports of articles of iron or steel and electric machinery shipments moderated the year-over-year change. 

TONNAGE

The four seaports in the metro area handled 200.9 billion metric tons of cargo through September ’24, a 6.8 percent increase from the 188.2 billion handled over the comparable period in ’23. Export tonnage was up 9.1 percent; import tonnage was up 0.3 percent.

The region saw increased exports of mineral fuels, oil, and refined products, and beverages, spirits and vinegar. Shipments of cereals fell. 

Imports of organic chemicals and iron and steel saw an increase, while articles of iron or steel 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