PHA 2006 Economic Impact Study
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To read the complete study, click here

Ever since the Port of Houston opened to deep-water vessels in 1914, Houstonians have recognized that their port is an important economic catalyst. The port is one of the most significant sources of jobs and revenue in the community. The Trade Development Division periodically oversees a thorough study of the economic impact of the Port of Houston and the Port of Houston Authority to the community.

The latest figures from a 2006 Economic Impact Study show the port's public and private marine terminals generate $117.6 billion and 785,049 jobs in the State of Texas. The study shows dramatic growth since a similar study was done in 2002, using data collected in the year 2000.

Of the 785,049 jobs in Texas, 58,142 direct jobs are generated by the marine cargo and vessel activity (including the cruise operations at the Port of Houston) at the public and private marine terminals. About 78 percent of these direct jobs are held by residents of Harris County.

As the result of local and regional purchases by those 58,142 individuals holding the direct jobs, an additional 61,714 induced jobs are supported in the regional economy.

A total of 79,127 indirect jobs were supported by $5.9 billion of local purchases by businesses supplying services at the marine terminals and by businesses dependent upon the Port of Houston.

Direct jobs are those generated by the companies providing support services to the cargo handling and vessel-related services of the port. Related jobs are those created locally and throughout the regional economy due to purchases of goods and services by those directly associated with port activity. Research shows the port also generates $3.7 billion annually in state and local taxes.

Increases in cargo and vessel call activity are the primary contributing factors for the significant increase in the Port of Houston's economic impact status.

The Houston Ship Channel has long been a catalyst for the growth of Harris County. The findings of the latest economic impact study are a strong confirmation of the important and critical role the Port of Houston plays both locally and regionally.

The Port Authority's Trade Development and other staff are continuously working to attract more cargo and new services which will benefit the community. Martin Associates estimates that in 2006, 240.9 million tons of domestic and foreign waterborne cargo moved via the public and private marine terminals at the Port of Houston. That is an increase of 50 million tons over the past six years. Such an impressive barometer of trade activity signifies Houston has maintained its position as a world class port and a leader in the United States maritime industry. If you have questions regarding the economic impact study or its results, click here.

The economic impact study is based on information compiled from 1,046 firms providing services to the cargo and vessels handled at the Port of Houston Authority's marine terminal and the private terminals along the Houston Ship Channel and other economic models of spending. These firms represent all of the firms in the Houston seaport community.

Last updated: 04/23/07

Port of Houston Authority
111 East Loop North • Houston, Texas 77029
P.O. Box 2562 • Houston, Texas 77252-2562
Phone: 713-670-2400

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