Celebrating 90 years of progress in 2026, the Port of Brownsville has transformed a bold vision into an economic powerhouse , securing billions of dollars in private investment and cementing itself as one of the fastest-growing manufacturing and logistics hubs in Texas.
Established by voters in 1928 and officially opened in 1936, the port transformed the southernmost tip of Texas from an agricultural economy into a gateway for global trade. The construction of the Brownsville Ship Canal 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 early years, the port evolved from handling agricultural products and earning the title of “Number One Cotton Exporter in the Nation” to managing grains and shrimp, eventually becoming a diversified logistics hub supporting the steel, energy, construction, and aerospace industries, as well as positioning itself as the leading shipyard and recycling center for commercial and military vessels in the United States.
As the only deep-water seaport located directly on the U.S.-Mexico border, the port plays a vital role in international trade, accounting for 5.3% of the total value of Texas trade moving through the state’s 23 seaports, according to the Texas Comptroller’s Office. Its geographic location provides direct access to global shipping routes while also serving as a strategic hub 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 products and demonstrate the port’s increasing influence on the energy, manufacturing, and industrial supply chains.
Beyond trade statistics, the Port of Brownsville drives a broad economic impact throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Based on estimates from the Comptroller’s Office, trade through the Port of Brownsville supports more than 100,000 jobs statewide, including over 14,000 in the Rio Grande Valley. This includes direct jobs at marine terminals and tenant facilities , as well as indirect jobs in manufacturing, logistics, energy, construction, and professional services. Every vessel arrival, infrastructure project, and private investment strengthens local businesses and expands employment opportunities.
A key element of 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 job training initiatives that support long-term growth. These partnerships ensure that investments in the port translate into benefits for the entire community, including improvements to roads, utilities, and infrastructure that benefit both residents and industry.
The port also collaborates with local educational institutions to develop a skilled workforce tailored to the needs of maritime, manufacturing, and logistics employers. Through coordination with colleges, universities, and technical training programs , the port helps connect students and residents with high-demand careers in engineering, skilled trades, industrial operations, and port logistics. These collaborations strengthen the regional talent base and position South Texas as a competitive destination for advanced manufacturing and energy projects.
Energy development continues to be the cornerstone of the port’s economic growth, positioning the region as a major national hub for both traditional and next-generation energy projects. NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG export terminal represents a total investment of $36 billion over the next decade, creating approximately 700 well-paying permanent jobs and more than 7,000 construction jobs at peak workforce. Complementing this investment, Texas LNG is advancing a $6 billion project that will generate more than 100 permanent jobs and approximately 1,200 construction positions.
More 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 oil refinery built on the U.S. Gulf Coast in nearly 50 years, producing ultra-low-carbon fuels from 100% domestic shale oil. The project is expected to create 500 direct, full-time jobs, in addition to thousands of indirect jobs related to construction, logistics, and long-term operations.
Beyond energy exports, the Port of Brownsville is rapidly diversifying from traditional cargo handling operations into specialized, high-tech marine industries. Karpowership’s acquisition and redevelopment of the former Seatrium AmFELS shipyard has repositioned the port as a hub for advanced shipbuilding, marine 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 supply chains for industrial manufacturing, supporting emerging sectors that require deep-water access, heavy-lift capabilities, and secure, scalable sites.
These opportunities are bolstered by the port’s infrastructure advantages, which include over 40,000 acres of industrial land, free trade zone benefits, Class I rail connections , direct access to interstate highways, and ongoing improvements to the shipping channel that allow for larger vessels and higher-value cargo.
To maintain this momentum, the port initiated $226.9 million in capital improvement projects in 2024. Among 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 be among the deepest in the Gulf of Mexico, allowing the port to accommodate larger vessels, increase cargo capacity, and strengthen its global competitiveness.
Taken together, these assets position the Port of Brownsville as a leading destination for companies seeking a cost-competitive location with turnkey infrastructure capable of supporting long-term growth in the energy, marine technology, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
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