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Port Houston has achieved a historic milestone, surpassing three million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in container volume by September 2025 — the earliest this mark has ever been reached. The port reported a total of 3,270,595 TEUs handled year-to-date, reflecting a 5% increase compared to the same period last year.
“Reaching three million TEUs this early is a remarkable achievement,” said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. “Each container represents collaboration and trust across the global supply chain. This growth underscores the strength of our partnerships and the port’s strategic role in global commerce.”
In September alone, Port Houston handled 337,659 TEUs, up 2% compared to September 2024. Loaded exports surged 13% for the month and are up 7% year-to-date, driven by strong demand for resins and manufactured goods. Meanwhile, loaded imports dipped slightly for the month but remain 3% higher year-to-date. Jenkins noted that the port expects a steady but more moderate pace through the fourth quarter, maintaining momentum toward a strong year-end close.
While steel imports dropped 56% in September, they remain nearly flat overall for the year. General cargo volumes rose 1% year-to-date, and total tonnage across Port Houston’s public terminals reached 41.6 million short tons, a 5% increase over last year. This continued expansion highlights Houston’s vital role in connecting markets and moving essential goods globally.
In September, Port Houston officials took part in the PromPerú Ports & Trade Seminar, where they emphasized how Houston’s world-class infrastructure supports Peruvian imports—particularly the growing flow of fresh fruit and perishable goods. Reflecting that trend, refrigerated cargo (reefer imports) climbed 19% year-to-date through August, much of it tied to increased trade with Latin America.
Despite this rise in refrigerated goods, Houston’s energy-related exports remain the port’s dominant cargo segment, driven by the region’s powerful petrochemical industry.
“Our regional economy continues to thrive on energy and trade,” Jenkins explained. “Houston remains the Energy Capital of the World.”
Recent data from the Greater Houston Partnership shows that nearly 200,000 people across the region work in energy production, generation, and transportation — the highest concentration of energy workers in any U.S. metro area.
“As Houston expands its clean energy workforce, Port Houston is committed to leading as a strategic force for the Houston Ship Channel, the nation’s number one maritime gateway for commerce,” Jenkins added.
