Texas Ports Association

The Texas Ports Association (TPA) is a collaborative organization representing the key public port authorities in Texas, which collectively operate a diverse system of facilities along the Gulf Coast. Texas ports play an essential role in the national and global economy, moving over 600 million tons of cargo annually and supporting the state's position as the nation’s top exporter by tonnage. Major commodities handled include oil, natural gas, petroleum products, chemicals, plastics, and agricultural goods. TPA member ports provide critical infrastructure for both commercial freight and passenger operations, including container shipping, bulk cargo, and cruise activities. Texas boasts 11 ports in the top 100 U.S. ports by tonnage, with six ranked in the top 20. The ports are vital to industries in energy, petrochemicals, and manufacturing, and support over 100,000 direct jobs while contributing hundreds of billions of dollars to the state's economy each year. The TPA works closely with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and regulatory bodies to advance the development, modernization, and intermodal connectivity of port operations, ensuring Texas remains a pivotal gateway for international trade and domestic distribution.