California ports continue to lead in innovation and sustainability amid intensifying global competition

Today, port executives from across California met in Sacramento for the California Association of Port Authorities’ (CAPA) annual day of advocacy, Ports Day 2025, advocating for policies that will ensure California remains the nation’s leading trade gateway. Under the theme, “Strengthening California’s Future,” port leaders advocated for continued investments in infrastructure and policies that will enhance resiliency in the global supply chain.

California’s 11 public seaports handle 38% of the nation’s containerized imports and 28% of exports, generating over $38 billion in tax revenue and supporting more than 3 million jobs nationwide. In recent years, however, competition from Eastern and Gulf Coast ports has threatened California’s market share.

California’s ports are leading a global transition toward cleaner, more efficient goods movement. Over the past two decades, ports have implemented bold environmental initiatives, cutting emissions, improving air and water quality, investing in zero-emission technologies, and charting the future with offshore wind energy.

“Our ports are the backbone of California’s economy,” said CAPA President and Executive Director of the Port of Redwood City Kristine Zortman. “Our state must continue to invest in infrastructure and environmental initiatives that will allow each of California’s ports to thrive.”

California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin echoed this sentiment, “California’s ports continue to lead the charge in building a resilient, innovative and sustainable trade network. By prioritizing smart investments with strategic partnerships, we are securing improved quality of life for all Californians.”

“As Chair of the Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement, I’ve had the honor of personally visiting all 11 public ports in California,” said Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson). “California ports play a vital role in driving our state’s economy forward and our state must continue to adopt policies that support them.”

The California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA) represents the state’s 11 major deepwater ports, advocating for policies that enhance port operations and promote the interests of the maritime community. Since its founding in 1940, CAPA has worked to ensure California remains a global leader in goods movement, trade, and environmental stewardship.