Total trade throughout the Houston Ship Channel region grew by 17 percent through May. The increase is attributed to a 23 percent increase in exports.
“The Houston Ship Channel region continues to demonstrate why it is one of the nation’s most important trade gateways,” Charlie Jenkins, Port Houston CEO, said. “Our region is resilient and our port is ready to handle the diverse cargo needs. Overall, we are well-positioned for long-term growth and continued global competitiveness.”
Through June, the Port of Houston’s public terminals handled more than 28 million tons. This is 3 percent more compared to the first half of 2025 and also outperforms broader U.S. cargo market trends.
General Cargo at the public terminals grew 34 percent with much of the growth in breakbulk.
Steel cargo grew 46 percent in June, but year-to-date tonnage declined 14 percent from last year.
More than half of all tonnage moving through the Houston Ship Channel region was crude oil and refined products, but import tonnage dropped 4 percent when compared to May 2025.
The Houston Ship Channel complex contains eight public terminals and more than 200 private terminals. The Port of Houston is the largest port in the United States for waterborne tonnage.