Texas consistently ranks as one of the top exporting states in the United States. It often contends with California for the title of the leading exporting state, with both states contributing significantly to the country's overall exports. It has a diverse range of export industries, including energy, technology, agriculture, aerospace, and manufacturing. This diversity helps the state remain resilient to economic fluctuations in specific sectors.
In 2022, Texas shipped $485.6 billion worth of goods around the globe, making it America’s number one exporter by state, representing 23.5% of the United States’ overall exported products for 2022.
The top 10 exports from Texas accounted for over half (55.4%) of the overall value of the state’s global shipments. Being a powerhouse in the energy sector, crude petroleum oils, refined petroleum oils excluding biodiesel, and light petroleum oils excluding biodiesel were the top three exports.
Given the population of 29.8 million Texans in 2022, the total $485.6 billion in 2022 Texan exports translates to roughly $16,300 for every resident in the Lone Star State.
In 2015, Texas exported $11.5 billion worth of goods to China and $25.5 billion worth of products to Canada. That same year, it sent more than $92.4 billion worth of exports down to Mexico. Sharing a significant border with Mexico, the trade between the state and its southern neighbor is crucial.
Texas is experiencing a booming economy, with rapid advancements in many sectors not traditionally associated with the state. Petroleum products remain the state’s largest export, but advanced computer and machinery components account for five of the top 10 exports, this includes computer and electronic products, telecommunications equipment, and semiconductor machinery.
Texas has several major ports, including the Port of Houston which is a major maritime complex located in the city of Houston, along the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the largest and busiest ports in the United States and plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade, particularly for the Gulf Coast region. The port is situated along the Houston Ship Channel, a 52-mile-long waterway that connects the Gulf of Mexico to the Port of Houston.
The channel is a major navigation route for maritime traffic, allowing large vessels to access the port facilities. The port handles a diverse range of cargoes, including containerized goods, steel, machinery, chemicals, petrochemicals, and consumer goods. Its strategic location and efficient transportation links make it a key gateway for trade between the United States and international markets.
The Port of Houston has several container terminals that handle a significant volume of containerized cargo. These facilities are equipped with modern container-handling equipment and technology to ensure the efficient movement of goods. According to Port Houston, it is the largest Gulf Coast container port and the fifth-ranked U.S. container port by total TEUs. In 2021, the port processed 3.5 million TEUs, which is a 15% increase compared to the previous year. If we assume that the port operates 24 hours a day, then the average number of containers disembarked per day would be approximately 10,669 containers. Given Houston's prominence in the energy sector, the port is a major center for the import and export of petroleum and petrochemical products. It plays a crucial role in the distribution of oil and gas-related commodities.
The port boasts extensive infrastructure, including deep-water berths, storage facilities, and rail and road connections. This infrastructure enables seamless transportation and distribution of goods, enhancing the port's overall efficiency. The Port of Houston is actively engaged in environmental sustainability initiatives, efforts include reducing emissions, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and promoting environmentally friendly practices to minimize the ecological impact of port activities with ongoing development projects aimed to enhance the port's capacity and capabilities.
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