PORT STATISTICS

Louisiana Gateway Port by the Numbers

Louisiana Gateway Port connects global trade to the American heartland. Our location at the mouth of the Mississippi River gives unmatched access to markets with deep waters and unobstructed access to the Gulf. Our reach goes far beyond Louisiana; we’re a vital link in the global supply chain, connecting industries around the world. The numbers below show how we’re moving cargo, creating jobs, and powering economic growth across industries.

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TRADE & CARGO VOLUME

Every year, the Louisiana Gateway Port moves more than 46 million tons of cargo. About half stays domestic at 25.9 million tons, while the other half connects to international markets at 20.9 million tons. The Port sends out more than 16 million tons of goods each year, with exports that include everyday essentials like grain, natural gas, building materials, and industrial products.

THE GATEWAY TO GLOBAL TRADE

The Mississippi River is more than a landmark; it’s America’s greatest highway that moves massive amounts of goods across the country and out to the world. Stretching over 2,300 miles, the Mississippi River flows through ten states, and its waterways connect to more than 30 states across the nation. The Mississippi River system moves over 500 million tons of cargo annually.

Because Louisiana Gateway Port is located at the river’s mouth, where it meets the Gulf of Mexico, it offers maximum efficiency for shippers. Cargo moves from America’s heartland to international markets faster, with fewer obstacles and lower costs.

The Louisiana Gateway Port is like no other port in the world, with more than 100 miles of deep-draft access and channel depths over 50 feet. Being the closest terminals to open water on the Mississippi River means ships can travel faster, and with no height restrictions, even the world’s largest vessels can dock here. From our location, we can reach 33 states through our barge, rail, and highway connections.

BUILT TO CONNECT

In addition to its river access, Louisiana Gateway Port makes it easy to move goods in and out by barge, train, or truck from a single location. These options allow cargo to move seamlessly. With multimodal connections, goods can reach their destination faster and more efficiently, helping businesses cut down on delays and shipping costs.

The Port is also gearing up for a major expansion, with construction on a new container terminal set to begin in 2027. The first phase will cover 200 acres and include on-dock rail service, deepwater berths, and modern cargo-handling infrastructure. As demand increases, the site is designed to expand up to 900 acres, creating capacity for millions of containers per year. With this news investment, Louisiana Gateway Port is projected to become the fifth-largest U.S. port by tonnage within the next five years.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Louisiana Gateway Port plays a key role in the state’s economy. The state’s port system creates $182.1 billion in total economic output and supports 525,000 jobs, that’s one in every five Louisiana jobs. These jobs produce $32.9 billion in personal earnings, with direct spending by ports and related businesses reaching $96.1 billion annually. Furthermore, port activity generates over $4 billion in state and local tax revenue.

That impact will only grow as The Gateway Port expands. In addition to creating jobs and supporting businesses, the Port will bring in tax revenue that funds schools, infrastructure, and essential services across Louisiana. The tax benefits flow throughout Louisiana, with ports contributing $2.4 billion to state revenue and $1.8 billion to local communities annually. This makes port investment one of Louisiana’s strongest returns; every dollar invested returns $8 in economic value.

Ports directly employ 77,000 people, 40 to 45% more jobs than Louisiana’s oil and gas industry. These workers generate $298 million in state taxes and $235 million in local taxes, making maritime commerce one of Louisiana’s strongest economic engines.

Looking Ahead

With unmatched river access, deep-water capacity, and direct lines to inland markets, the Louisiana Gateway Port is ready for what’s next. Each year, it moves over 46 million tons of cargo, supports more than 525,000 jobs statewide, and contributes more than $4 billion in tax revenue to Louisiana communities. These numbers show the Port’s importance today, and with new infrastructure on the way, its impact is only expected to grow.

Port Statistics