HOUSTON (May 1, 2025)—As evolving trade policies and geopolitical tensions create economic uncertainty in 2025, Houston enters the year with a strong foundation. According to the Greater Houston Partnership’s newly released 2025 Global Houston report, the region led the U.S. in exports last year – shipping $180.9 billion in goods, more than any other metro area. Click to expand   The report, based on 2024 data compiled prior to this year’s policy changes, highlights how Houston’s infrastructure, industrial base and deep global relationships position the region to better navigate trade disruptions.  “As the U.S. seeks fairer trade arrangements, the uncertainty is impacting some long-term investment decisions,” Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean said. “At the same time, we’re seeing increased interest in the Houston metro as a destination for onshoring. Our region enters this period from a position of strength – we’re not only the nation’s top exporting metro, but also a leader in population and GDP growth. Houston is well-positioned to adapt, respond and benefit from global economic shifts.” Notably, the Houston/Galveston Customs District is one of only 10 in the U.S. where exports exceed imports – a reflection of the region’s strong global demand and production capacity. Key Metrics from the Global Houston Report: #1 U.S. Exporting Metro: $180.9B in goods exported in 2024 (3.1% increase from 2023) Record Customs District Tonnage: 432.6M metric tons handled, ranking No. 1 nationally Total Trade Value: $376.3B through Houston/Galveston, ranking No. 4 among U.S. districts Foreign Direct Investment: 81 foreign-owned companies announced plans to relocate, expand or start operations; a 56% increase from 2023 when 52 international projects were announced. (increase is partially due to improved data sourcing) Global Connectivity: 3.1M international passengers traveled through Houston airports (record; a 4.2% increase over the 12.6 million passengers in ’23) 3.4M container units processed at Port Houston (record) Migration-Driven Workforce Growth: Nearly 65% of the region’s 2024 population growth came from international migration Energy Leads in Exports Energy continues to play an outsized role in Houston’s international economy. Oil and refined petroleum products accounted for more than half (52.1%) of all trade value flowing through the Houston/Galveston Customs District in 2024 – totaling $196.1B, with 88% of that volume heading overseas.  According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), global oil demand is expected to reach 103.6 million barrels per day in 2025 – a new record, though below earlier projections. At the same time, lower forecasted oil prices and emerging trade barriers could prompt Texas producers to scale back new drilling, potentially reducing export volumes through the Houston/Galveston District. Top 10 Houston Trading Partners in 2024: Netherlands – $31.9B (↑ 23%) | Driven by oil exports amid EU energy diversification China – $30.1B (↓ 7%) | Key supplier of industrial equipment and electronics Mexico – $24.9B (↓ 13%) | Most integrated supply chain partner South Korea – $23.8B (↑ 4%) Germany – $16.9B (↑ 10%) Brazil – $16.8B (↑ 6%) United Kingdom – $15.0B (↑ 6%) Japan – $13.5B (↑ 3%) India – $13.2B (↓ 0.8%) Canada – $11.5B (↑ 22%) About the Report Produced annually by the Greater Houston Partnership’s Research team, the Global Houston Report analyzes the region’s international trade, foreign investment, migration trends and sector strengths. It serves as a key resource for companies navigating an increasingly complex global business landscape. Access the full report, here. CONTACT:           Brina Morales                                                 Sr. Director, Communications     bmorales@houston.org  

Fifth Third Bank Chief Economist Jeff Korzenik is forecasting the Houston region and the U.S. will grow this year and avoid a recession. Despite growing concerns around inflation, labor shortages, and interest rate uncertainty, Houston stands out as a region poised to weather potential economic headwinds.  In a recent economic outlook presentation during the Greater Houston Partnership's Economy Series event, Korzenik offered reasons why Houston is better positioned than many U.S. cities to remain resilient in the face of macroeconomic challenges: Strong Consumer Spending Power  While inflation remains elevated – particularly in rent, food and energy – aggregate household debt levels are relatively low, reducing the risk of widespread financial distress. Population Growth and Business Climate  Texas continues to offer a pro-business environment, with Houston at the forefront of population growth and continued attraction of corporate headquarters. Houston ranks No. 1 in job growth, ahead of Dallas, Philadelphia, and Phoenix, and No. 2 in population growth over the past decade and year-over-year. Houston also leads in growth among residents under 18, has the highest two-year GDP increase at 25 percent, and remains the No. 1 exporting metro.  Click to expand   According to Fifth Bird Bank's Empowering American Cities' regional economic snapshot, "compared with other large extended-metropolitan-areas, Houston is in the top third, with projected GDP growth above the U.S. average." The key industries expected to drive growth include health care, energy, logistics and manufacturing. Manufacturing Momentum  Manufacturing shows potential as a growth engine, especially with reshoring efforts. However, Korzenik said uncertainty around trade policy could slow momentum because businesses need stable rules to plan long-term investments.  Fifth Third Bank Chief Economist Jeff Korzenik presents economic outlook at Partnership's Economy Series event on April 23, 2025. Korzenik said he’ll be keeping a close eye on unemployment claims, which if it gets to 400,000 – 500,000 weekly claims, could be an indication of a recession. While broader national risks remain on the radar, Houston’s demographic strength, business climate and economic diversity provide strong insulation. Learn more about Houston's economy and why companies continue to choose Houston.