Fast Facts / Ports
Ports
76% of Trade
Seventy-six percent of all trade involves some form of marine transportation. That figure jumps to 90 percent of international trade.
$1.5 Trillion
Our nation’s ports are the lifelines of our economy. Annually, ships move $1.5 trillion in and out of U.S. ports, and ports support more than 13 million jobs.
15,000 Miles
There are 15,000 miles of waterways, seaports, and other commercially navigable waters in the United States.
One Inch
Volume matters. Larger ships are pushing the limits of navigation channel depths and bridge heights at our nation’s seaports. For example, having an extra inch of water to pass through can allow a ship to load and carry an additional 58,000 pairs of athletic shoes valued at more than $5 million.
Double Traffic Volume
The volume of traffic for marine ports is expected to double by 2021 and double again shortly after 2030.

Handout: Top Ten Marine Economy
Website: An Inch of Water: What's It Worth?