10 Largest Ports in the US by Cargo Volume and Trade Value

Ever wonder how your phone, groceries, or car parts end up at your doorstep? It all starts at a port. The largest ports in the US aren’t just steel giants moving containers—they’re the beating heart of America’s economy. These ports keep shelves stocked, factories running, and millions employed.

In this guide, we break down the five most critical U.S. ports—not just by how much cargo they move (in TEUs), but by how much that cargo is worth (trade value). Why both? Because 1 million containers of toys don’t carry the same weight as 100,000 full of tech and oil.

You’ll learn how each port fuels supply chains, supports jobs, and connects the U.S. to global markets. Whether you’re in shipping, retail, or just curious, this list reveals where America’s trade power truly lies.

Understanding the Metrics: Cargo Volume vs. Trade Value

Understanding the performance of the largest ports in the US means looking at two key numbers—cargo volume in TEUs and trade value. TEU stands for Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit. It’s a way to measure containers. A standard 20-foot container equals one TEU. A 40-foot one equals two. So, when a port handles 5 million TEUs, that’s a lot of containers. This helps us compare ports and see how much stuff they move.

Now, trade value tells us how much all that stuff is actually worth in dollars. It includes both imports and exports—whether it’s cars coming in or chemicals going out. A port could move fewer containers but still have a high trade value if those containers are full of luxury goods, electronics, or machinery.

That’s why both metrics matter. TEUs show how busy a port is. Trade value shows how important that port is to the economy. For example, one port might move mostly clothes and plastic toys—lots of volume, lower value. Another port might handle diamonds and tech parts—less volume, much higher value.

So, if you really want to understand the role of the largest ports in the US, don’t just count containers. Look at what’s inside them, too. Volume tells you the size. Value tells you the impact. Both together give you the full picture.

Here are the 10 largest ports in the US

1. Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles isn’t just the largest port in the U.S.—it’s the pulse of America’s trade with Asia.

Positioned strategically on the Pacific Coast, this port handled 4.06 million TEUs between January and May 2025, reflecting a 4% year-over-year growth. Even though May recorded the lowest monthly volume in two years, broader trends show resilience. Analysts expect the port to close 2025 with over 10.5 million TEUs.

But it’s not just about the volume.

• This port is the main artery for goods flowing between the U.S. and major economies like China and Vietnam.

• Electronics, apparel, machinery—you name it—likely passed through here before hitting store shelves.

• High-value cargo ensures the port’s economic footprint stays large, even when fewer ships dock.

The Port of Los Angeles excels in transpacific trade, and its strength lies in adaptability. With investments in automation, zero-emission technologies, and digitized operations, it’s shaping the future of global logistics.

The bigger story here? This port fuels supply chains, jobs, and innovation far beyond California. When goods flow smoothly through LA, businesses across the nation stay stocked and competitive.

That’s what makes it more than a logistics hub. Among the largest ports in the US, the Port of Los Angeles is a symbol of economic power, tech-driven progress, and America’s evolving role in global trade.

2. Port of Long Beach: A Pacific Powerhouse

The Port of Long Beach isn’t just busy—it’s setting the pace. In early 2025, it briefly became the busiest port in the U.S. by container volume, reflecting its growing influence in global trade.

From January to March 2025, the port moved around 2.53 million TEUs, up 26.6% from the same time last year. In March alone, it handled 817,457 TEUs, marking a 25% year-over-year jump. Between October 2024 and March 2025, Long Beach moved 5.26 million TEUs, more than any other U.S. port in that span.

What’s driving the growth?

• Continued investments in smart port tech and automation

• Shifts in supply chains away from congestion-prone routes

• Rising repositioning of empty containers to meet Asia-bound demand

Even with an 8.2% drop in May 2025 due to new tariffs, the port remains confident in a late-year rebound. Its core trade—electronics, appliances, and consumer goods—keeps flowing strong through its modern, clean-energy terminals.

It also stands out for its green leadership. Long Beach is investing heavily in zero-emission rail, electric yard equipment, and sustainable logistics, putting it ahead of most of the largest ports in the US.

Economically, this port—alongside the Port of Los Angeles—supports 2.7 million jobs and contributes over $309 billion to U.S. GDP annually.

Thanks to its smart planning, deep Pacific ties, and constant upgrades, the Port of Long Beach remains a pillar of American trade—and it’s only getting stronger.

3. Port of New York & New Jersey: The East Coast’s Busiest

When people think about East Coast shipping, the Port of New York & New Jersey usually tops the list—and for good reason. In 2025, it has once again proven why it’s one of the largest ports in the US, moving more cargo than any other port on the East Coast.

From January to June 2025, the port moved around 4.4 million TEUs. That’s a 6.5% increase over the same period in 2024. May alone brought in 774,698 TEUs, the highest of any U.S. port that month. This sets a record and reflects the growing demand across Atlantic trade routes.

2025 Snapshot:

• Cargo value in 2025 has already topped $210 billion, and is expected to exceed $220 billion by year-end.

• Top imports include electronics, vehicles, apparel, and furniture.

• Top exports range from recycled materials and food to chemicals and machinery.

Strategically located, the port connects global markets to the Northeast’s massive consumer base. With its ExpressRail system, it also moves cargo inland quickly and efficiently.

Recent investments, including a $347 million grant for green port tech and long-term terminal upgrades, show the port’s long-term vision. It’s not just expanding—it’s getting smarter and cleaner too.

Rather than resting on its legacy, the Port of New York & New Jersey is actively shaping the future of U.S. trade. As global shipping patterns shift, this port stays firmly in the lead—balancing volume, speed, and sustainability like few others can.

4. Port of Savannah

The Port of Savannah keeps proving why it’s one of the largest ports in the US. It blends smart expansion, high demand, and reliable logistics into a growth story worth watching.

In fiscal year 2025 (July 2024–June 2025), Savannah moved around 5.7 million TEUs. That’s an 8.6% jump from the previous year and just short of its all-time record. One month alone—April 2025—saw a record 515,500 TEUs, fueled by early import surges and shifting trade strategies.

Why does this matter?

• It serves major industries like electronics, machinery, food, and retail.

• Its Garden City Terminal is the largest single container terminal in North America.

• It connects key markets across the Southeast and beyond.

Savannah’s strength comes from more than volume. The port is expanding fast—adding ship-to-shore cranes, upgrading the Ocean Terminal, and building more warehousing and cold storage. These changes aim to raise capacity by 50%, making it future-ready.

Its strong rail and road links make movement seamless for businesses. And with tariff uncertainties and global shifts, many companies now choose Savannah as their go-to port for reliability and speed.

This isn’t just about containers. It’s about long-term vision. Savannah plays a key role in making Georgia the #1 state for business—and its influence stretches across national supply chains.

As global trade patterns shift, the Port of Savannah shows how East Coast ports are rising with purpose, agility, and a strong footprint in the story of the largest ports in the US.

5. Port of Houston: The Gulf Coast Giant

Among the largest ports in the US, the Port of Houston stands tall in 2025. It keeps breaking records—month after month. In just the first four months, it handled over 1,456,000 TEUs. That’s a 4% rise compared to the same period last year. April alone saw a 20% jump, reaching 387,478 TEUs. January also hit an all-time high for that month with 356,407 TEUs—up 7% year over year.

Why is this important? Because TEUs measure container traffic, and this port is moving a massive amount of it. It shows how strong and reliable Houston remains, even as trade patterns shift globally.

On the tonnage side, Houston still leads. In 2023, it moved over 309.5 million short tons of cargo. That’s more than 12% of all U.S. waterborne trade. And the trend continues to rise in 2025.

Its location on the Houston Ship Channel is a huge advantage. This makes it a natural hub for the U.S. energy industry and a key exporter of resin-based products. That’s why the Port of Houston also ranked second in foreign cargo value in 2023, topping $222.5 billion.

With continued investment in terminals like Bayport and strong early-year performance, Houston looks set for another record year. More than 3.3 million American jobs are tied to this port. Its total economic impact? Over $900 billion nationwide.

So yes, the Port of Houston isn’t just busy—it’s essential. And when ranking the largest ports in the US, it’s impossible to leave this Gulf Coast powerhouse out of the top tier.

The Broader Economic Tapestry: Why These Ports Matter

When we talk about the largest ports in the US, we’re not just discussing shipping hubs. We’re talking about engines of the US economy, critical to everything from food to fuel, from toys to tech. These ports support over $2.9 trillion in GDP and enable more than 40% of America’s total trade in goods.

Why does this matter to your daily life? Because ports make sure your groceries arrive on time. They deliver your phone, your car parts, and the grains that feed millions. Without these ports, shelves go empty and businesses halt production.

During global shocks like COVID-19, these ports stayed open. They adapted fast, using better tech and smarter logistics to keep goods moving. This helped avoid bigger supply chain problems and kept prices from skyrocketing even more.

Ports also support around 21.8 million jobs across the country. That includes crane operators, truckers, warehouse workers, and more. Even inland towns benefit, as goods travel across states. Plus, wages in port-related jobs are 20% higher than average, showing how important and skilled these roles are.

Now, here’s the catch—these ports need constant care. From 2021 to 2025, over $163 billion is being invested in repairs, upgrades, and climate resilience. That includes dredging, stronger docks, better terminals, and tech upgrades. Still, experts say we need at least $38 billion more in the next decade to keep up.

So, the largest ports in the US are not just trade points. They are the heart of international trade, infrastructure, logistics, and economic impact—making them vital to America’s growth and global leadership.

Key Takeaways

Ports are often treated as background players in the economy—but that’s far from the truth. The largest ports in the US are not just handling cargo; they are handling the country’s pace of growth, resilience, and global relevance.

The question isn’t just which port moves the most containers, but why those containers matter. A port pushing millions of TEUs is significant—but a port handling billions in trade value tells a deeper story about what the U.S. is trading, with whom, and why. That’s where the real economic pulse lies.

Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that port growth reflects broader shifts—changing trade routes, rising demand for specific goods, and even geopolitical influences. Understanding ports isn’t just for logistics experts. It’s for anyone interested in how global trade shapes everyday life.

Looking ahead, ports will be more than transfer hubs. With automation, sustainability goals, and new policies in play, they’ll evolve into smarter, greener gateways.

In the end, ports aren’t just about goods. They’re about connections—between countries, economies, and people. And in a world driven by trade, knowing the role of these ports gives us a sharper lens into the future of global commerce.

Tejas Tahmankar