The Powerhouses of U.S. Maritime Trade

Port of Los Angeles (CA)

• Total TEUs: Consistently the busiest port in the U.S.
• Import vs. Export: Heavily skewed towards Imports. As a primary gateway for goods from Asia, it receives a massive volume of consumer products, electronics, and manufactured goods. Exports are significant but represent a much smaller percentage of its overall throughput.

Port of Long Beach (CA)

• Total TEUs: The second-busiest, often working in tandem with its neighbor, Los Angeles.
• Import vs. Export: Also heavily dominated by Imports, serving as another crucial entry point for trans-Pacific trade.

Port of New York & New Jersey (NY/NJ)

• Total TEUs: The largest port on the East Coast and the third busiest overall.
• Import vs. Export: Primarily an Import gateway for the dense consumer market of the Northeast, but also a major hub for Exports of agricultural products, scrap metal, and manufactured goods from the industrial heartland. It has a more balanced, though still import-heavy, profile than the Southern California ports.

Port of Savannah (GA)

• Total TEUs: The busiest port in the Southeast and a rapidly growing hub.
• Import vs. Export: Strong in both, but typically handles more Imports of retail goods, machinery, and automotive components. It’s also a significant Export port for agricultural products (poultry, cotton), forest products, and chemicals.

Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle & Tacoma, WA)

• Total TEUs: A combined entity representing the Puget Sound ports.
• Import vs. Export: Historically, this gateway has a relatively strong Export profile for agricultural products (e.g., hay, grain), forest products, and raw materials to Asia, alongside substantial Imports of consumer goods.

Port of Houston (TX)

• Total TEUs: A critical gateway for the Gulf Coast, known for its petrochemical industry.
• Import vs. Export: Features a more balanced, and often export-dominated, profile than many others. It’s a massive Export hub for plastics, chemicals, crude oil, and agricultural products. Imports include steel, machinery, and consumer goods.

Port of Virginia (Norfolk, VA)

• Total TEUs: A major East Coast port with deep channels and efficient operations.
• Import vs. Export: Strong in both directions. It handles significant Imports of consumer goods and automotive parts, and is a key Export hub for agricultural products, coal (though less in containers), and industrial materials.

Port of Charleston (SC)

• Total TEUs: Another key South Atlantic port known for its efficiency.
• Import vs. Export: Predominantly handles Imports of automotive parts, consumer goods, and machinery. Also a notable Export gateway for agricultural and manufactured products.

Port of Oakland (CA)

• Total TEUs: The third major California port, serving the Northern California market.
• Import vs. Export: While it handles substantial Imports, Oakland has a notably stronger Export presence than its Southern California counterparts, particularly for agricultural products from the Central Valley to Asia.

PortMiami (FL)

• Total TEUs: The “Gateway to the Americas,” specializing in trade with Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Import vs. Export: A vital Import hub for goods destined for Florida and points south, and a strong Export port for manufactured goods, agricultural products, and aid going to Central and South America.

The Significance for Bulk Liquid Shippers

For bulk liquid logistics, understanding these port dynamics is crucial. Ports with high export volumes, like Houston or Savannah, might offer better opportunities for competitive pricing on outbound flexitank shipments. Conversely, heavily import-driven ports can sometimes present challenges in securing empty containers quickly, though this varies greatly by market conditions.

At FGN Global Logistics, we leverage our deep understanding of these port operations and relationships to navigate congestion, optimize routing, and ensure your bulk liquid cargo moves smoothly and efficiently through the U.S. and around the world. Partner with us to turn port complexity into a strategic advantage for your supply chain.