The U.S is considered to be a country that is blessed with 360 ports. These ports help the nation by serving its marine needs and it is carried out by both public and private-owned marine resources located in 360 commercial sea and river ports.
Do the Nation’s revenue and other important aspects revolve around these ports? Let’s Check it out!
- These ports are located along the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf and Great Lakes coasts, as well as in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- They are responsible for moving nearly all of the nation’s overseas cargo volume: 99.4 percent by weight and 65 percent by value.
- The country’s 50 states rely on at least 15 seaports to handle its imports and exports, which totals to some $3.8 billion worth of goods moving in and out of U.S. seaports each day.
- Nearly 13 million people in the U.S., which account for $650 billion in personal income.
- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reveals that for every $1 billion in manufactured exports shipped through seaports, 15,000 U.S. jobs are created.
- U.S. ports and waterways handle more than two billion tons of domestic and import/export cargo annually.
- Much of total domestic production of basic commodities and finished products is shipped by water, including apples, wastepaper, corn, lumber, iron ore, steel, scrap steel, potatoes, phosphate, plastics, film, machinery and modular homes.
- About two-thirds of all U.S. wheat and wheat flour, one-third of soybean and rice production and almost two-fifths of U.S. cotton production is exported via U.S. ports.
- U.S. – produced coal, grain and forest products also compete well in international markets because of the nation’s efficient transportation system.
By 2020, the total volume of cargo shipped by water is expected to be double that of 2001 volumes.
It is really a heartening experience to read, understand and realize the contribution of the ports in the development of a nation in a holistic manner. The country’s development stands as a testimony to the unending services put forth by the 360 ports in and around the country.
Trade Statistics courtesy of the American Association of Port Authorities
2015 U.S. Sea Trade by Trading Partner (metric tons ‘000s)