Hancock: Port of Brownsville plays a significant role in Texas economy

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock joined Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban "Steve" Guerra and state Sen. Adam Hinojosa on Wednesday to present the findings of the Port of Brownsville 2024 Economic Impact Study.

The study was conducted by the Texas Comptroller’s Office. The study says the Port of Brownsville plays a significant role in the Texas economy, contributing $11.9 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP). It says the port’s importance as a driver of trade and industry cannot be underestimated. 

Based on the Comptroller’s estimate, trade through the Port of Brownsville in 2024 resulted in 101,073 jobs. 

"The Port of Brownsville isn’t just moving cargo — it’s moving opportunity for South Texas," Hancock said, in a press release announcing the results of the study. "As one of the vital gateways in the nation’s trade network, Brownsville helps drive international commerce, attract investment and create good-paying jobs. Ports like this are a key reason Texas continues to lead the country in global trade and economic growth."

Here is a video recording of a press conference Hancock and BND held at the port:

BND’s Guerra said that as the only deepwater seaport on the Texas-Mexico border, the Port of Brownsville plays a critical strategic role in international commerce, accounting for 5.3% of the total trade value moving through all 23 Texas seaports. In 2024, the port was a net exporter by value, with $12.1 billion in exports compared to $10.6 billion in imports, he said, handling more than 28 million tons of cargo.

"The findings of this economic impact study clearly demonstrate the Port of Brownsville’s vital role in strengthening Texas’ economy and supporting growth in the Rio Grande Valley," Guerra said. "From global trade and industrial development to job creation and infrastructure investment, the port continues to deliver measurable value for the state while positioning our region for long-term competitiveness."

Sen. Hinojosa gave the RGG Business Journal an interview at the conclusion of the press conference. He said that beyond trade and cargo volumes, the Port of Brownsville supports thousands of jobs across the Rio Grande Valley, including direct port employment and indirect jobs in manufacturing, logistics, energy, construction, and maritime services. He said the port’s activity generates long-term economic opportunities for local businesses while strengthening the region’s workforce and tax base.

Here is the interview:

Mexico continued to be the Port of Brownsville’s primary trading partner in 2024, accounting for more than 92% of exports and 84% of imports. Petroleum was the port’s leading export commodity at $4.5 billion, while electric machinery and equipment ranked among the top commodities for both imports and exports.

To support continued growth, the Port of Brownsville has initiated $226.9 million in capital improvement projects in 2024, led by the $141.6 million Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project. This project will deepen the shipping channel to 52 feet, positioning the port as one of the deepest in the Gulf of Mexico.