BROWNSVILLE, Texas (Monday, March 9, 2026) — Celebrating 90 years of progress in 2026, the Port of Brownsville has transformed a bold vision into an economic powerhouse, securing billions in private investment and anchoring one of the fastest-growing manufacturing and logistics hubs in Texas.
Established by voters in 1928 and officially opened in 1936, the port reshaped the southernmost tip of Texas from an agriculture-based economy into a global trade gateway. The construction of the Brownsville Ship Channel during the Great Depression connected the Rio Grande Valley to the Gulf of Mexico and laid the groundwork for decades of industrial expansion.
From its earliest days, the port evolved from handling agricultural products and earning the title “Number One Cotton Port in the Nation” to managing grains and shrimp, and ultimately becoming a diversified logistics hub supporting steel, energy, construction and the space industries as well as positioning itself as the premier hub for shipbuilding and ship recycling in the U.S.
As the only deepwater seaport located directly on the U.S–Mexico border, the port plays a critical role in international commerce, accounting for 5.3 percent of Texas’ total trade value moving through all 23 seaports of the Lone Star State, according to the Texas Comptroller’s office. Its geographic position provides direct access to global maritime routes while serving as a key gateway for cross-border trade between the United States and Mexico.
In 2024, the Port of Brownsville recorded $12.1 billion in exports compared to $10.6 billion in imports and handled more than 28 million tons of cargo. These figures reflect sustained growth in high-value commodities and demonstrate the port’s expanding influence on energy, manufacturing and industrial supply chains.
Beyond trade statistics, the Port of Brownsville drives broad-based economic impact across the Rio Grande Valley. Based on the Comptroller’s estimate, trade through the Port of Brownsville supports more than 100,000 jobs across the state, with more than 14,000 in the Rio Grande Valley. This includes direct employment at maritime terminals and tenant facilities, as well as indirect positions in manufacturing, logistics, energy, construction and professional services. Each vessel call, infrastructure project and private investment strengthens local businesses and expands workforce opportunities.
Central to the port’s success is its close collaboration with regional partners. The port works alongside the City of Brownsville and Cameron County to align infrastructure planning, economic development strategies and workforce initiatives that support long-term growth. These partnerships ensure that investments at the port translate into community-wide benefits, including improved roads, utilities and public services that support both residents and industry.
The port also partners with local educational institutions to build a skilled workforce pipeline tailored to the needs of maritime, manufacturing and logistics employers. Through coordination with area colleges, universities and technical training programs, the port helps connect students and residents to high-demand careers in engineering, skilled trades, industrial operations and port logistics. These collaborations strengthen the region’s talent base and position South Texas as a competitive destination for advanced manufacturing and energy projects.
Energy development remains the cornerstone of the port’s economic momentum, positioning the region as a significant national hub for both traditional and next‑generation energy projects. NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG export terminal represents a $36 billion total investment over the next decade, creating approximately 700 permanent high‑paying jobs and more than 7,000 construction jobs at peak workforce levels. Complementing this investment, Texas LNG is advancing a $6 billion investment that will generate more than 100 permanent jobs and approximately 1,200 construction positions.
Most recently, the announcement of the America First Refining project marked a milestone for U.S. energy infrastructure. Planned on more than 240 acres within the port, the refinery will be the first new U.S. Gulf Coast oil refinery built in nearly 50 years, producing ultra‑low‑carbon fuels from 100 percent domestic shale oil. The project is expected to create 500 direct full‑time jobs along with thousands of indirect jobs across construction, logistics and long‑term operations.
Beyond energy exports, the Port of Brownsville is rapidly diversifying from traditional cargo handling into high‑technology and specialized maritime industries. Karpowership’s acquisition and redevelopment of the former Seatrium AmFELS shipyard has repositioned the port as a center for advanced shipbuilding, maritime energy solutions and specialized vessel support, contributing to an estimated 1,500 regional jobs. At the same time, the port continues to expand its role in green energy, advanced mineral logistics and industrial manufacturing supply chains, supporting emerging sectors that demand deepwater access, heavy‑lift capabilities and secure, scalable sites.
These opportunities are reinforced by the port’s infrastructure advantages, including more than 40,000 acres of industrial land, foreign trade zone benefits, Class I rail connections, direct interstate access and ongoing channel improvements that enable accommodation of larger vessels and higher‑value cargo.
To sustain this momentum, the port initiated $226.9 million in capital improvement projects in 2024. Leading these investments is the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project, which will deepen the Brownsville Ship Channel to 52 feet. Once completed, the channel will rank among the deepest in the Gulf of Mexico, enabling the port to accommodate larger vessels, increase cargo capacity and enhance global competitiveness.
Together, these assets position the Port of Brownsville as a premier destination for companies seeking a cost‑competitive, infrastructure‑ready location capable of supporting long‑term growth across energy, maritime technology and advanced manufacturing.
