PORT FREEPORT AND PARTNERS REPORT IMPROVE NATIONAL RANKINGS, REACH 39.3 MILLION TONS IN 2025

FREEPORT, TX (May 21, 2026) – Port Freeport and its port community handled 39.3 million tons of total foreign waterborne cargo in Calendar Year 2025, an 8.7 percent increase from Calendar Year 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Statistics.

The Port improved its national standing to 13th in total foreign waterborne tonnage, up from 14th the previous year, while also advancing from 5th to 4th among Texas ports by the same measure. Port Freeport also ranked 9th in the nation for foreign waterborne export tonnage, up from 10th in 2024.

“These results reflect the strength of our entire port community,” said Rob Giesecke, Chairman of the Port Freeport Commission. “It is the result of collaboration among our public and private partners, terminal operators, and channel users working together to keep cargo moving through Port Freeport.”

The year-over-year growth underscores Port Freeport’s role as a key gateway for energy products, chemicals, agricultural commodities, and vehicles, supporting both domestic industry and international trade.

This increase reflects continued investment and operational performance across the Port, including enhancements to harbor, channel, and terminal infrastructure that support greater capacity and efficiency. Port Freeport’s operations contribute more than $157.3 billion in annual economic activity nationwide, felt across the regional supply chain, including trucking, rail, warehousing, and terminal services throughout Brazoria County and the State of Texas.

“Our continued growth reflects the investments being made across Port Freeport and the growing demand for efficient goods movement through this region and beyond,” said Phyllis Saathoff, Executive Director and CEO of Port Freeport. “This activity supports jobs, drives economic growth, and reinforces the Port’s role as a key gateway for trade and industry in Brazoria County and across Texas.”

With continued stakeholder coordination and ongoing infrastructure improvements, Port Freeport is well-positioned to support future growth and evolving trade demands.

Port Freeport is a leading port in the export of crude oil and natural gas liquids and ranks 6th nationally in chemicals, 13th in total foreign waterborne tonnage, and 4th in the State of Texas by the same measure. A 2022 Economic Impact Study by Texas A&M Transportation Institute revealed that, nationally, the Freeport Harbor Channel generates 266,300 jobs and has a total economic output of $157.3 billion.  Port Freeport serves Alliera, Atlantic Container Lines, AMPORTS, BASF, Chiquita Fresh N.A., Dole Fresh Fruit, The Dow Chemical Company, Enterprise Products Partners, ExxonMobil, Freeport LNG, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Glovis, Grimaldi Lines, Hoegh Autoliners, Kirby Marine, Liberty Global Logistics, Linde, MEGlobal, NYK RORO, Phillips 66, Riviana Foods, Inc., Sallaum Lines, Tenaris, U.S Department of Energy, Volkswagen Group of America, and Vulcan Materials Company.

Port Freeport is committed to keeping the local community informed of our operation and results. If you have questions or comments about this article, please email or call Amanda Veliz, Public Affairs Manager.