Port Freeport and partners report improved national rankings

Port Freeport and its port community handled 39.3 million tons of total foreign waterborne cargo in Calendar Year 2025, an 8.7 percent increase from Calendar Year 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Statistics.

The Port improved its national standing to 13th in total foreign waterborne tonnage, up from 14th the previous year, while also advancing from 5th to 4th among Texas ports by the same measure. Port Freeport also ranked 9th in the nation for foreign waterborne export tonnage, up from 10th in 2024.

“These results reflect the strength of our entire port community,” said Rob Giesecke, Chairman of the Port Freeport Commission. “It is the result of collaboration among our public and private partners, terminal operators, and channel users working together to keep cargo moving through Port Freeport.”

The year-over-year growth underscores Port Freeport’s role as a key gateway for energy products, chemicals, agricultural commodities, and vehicles, supporting both domestic industry and international trade.

This increase reflects continued investment and operational performance across the Port, including enhancements to harbor, channel, and terminal infrastructure that support greater capacity and efficiency. Port Freeport’s operations contribute more than $157.3 billion in annual economic activity nationwide, felt across the regional supply chain, including trucking, rail, warehousing, and terminal services throughout Brazoria County and the State of Texas.

“Our continued growth reflects the investments being made across Port Freeport and the growing demand for efficient goods movement through this region and beyond,” said Phyllis Saathoff, Executive Director and CEO of Port Freeport. “This activity supports jobs, drives economic growth, and reinforces the Port’s role as a key gateway for trade and industry in Brazoria County and across Texas.”