Port Houston sees continued growth amid global supply chain disruptions

HOUSTON – Port Houston’s cargo volume has increased from the previous year despite global supply chain disruptions. This year, 1.7 million 20-foot equivalent containers (TEUs) have already moved through Houston’s two container ports.

In May 2024, Port Houston handled 364,866 TEUs, a 21 percent increase from the same month last year, contributing to a year-to-date (YTD) increase of 14 percent from 2023. Loaded imports and exports have both increased—up 18 percent from last May for imports and a YTD increase of 15 percent for exports.

The construction of warehouses and distribution centers over the past two years, coupled with increased consumer spending in Texas, are the main contributors to this increase, officials said.  

Port Houston, situated along the Houston Ship Channel, operates the largest port in the nation by waterborne tonnage. It supports almost 20 percent of Texas’ gross domestic product.