Port triples economic impact

The deepwater port accounts for 312,896 jobs, around one in seven across the state. Economic activity from the port and its related businesses provides US$2 billion in tax revenue to the state and local government each year.

Compared to the most recent study covering 2019, these results show remarkable growth, including a 217% increase in overall economic impact, a 94% increase in jobs, and a 225% increase in tax revenues.

John C. Driscoll, director and chief executive of the Alabama Port Authority called the port a ‘tremendous asset’. “Economic activity at the port radiates across the entire state – whether it’s auto manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, space and defence, forest products, energy, or any of the myriad of other industries that make Alabama great, every corner of the state sees some benefit from the Port’s work,” he said.

“As we look ahead to an expanded container terminal, a deeper and wider ship channel, intermodal rail, and inland ports, these numbers will only grow. While these results are a sign of the progress made to date, we know there is more room for growth in our future and look forward to continuing to deliver for our customers and the entire State of Alabama.”

The Martin Associates report showed increased growth compared to 2019 in nearly every business line with the container cargo, lumber, and liquid bulk sectors seeing the highest growth.

The Port of Mobile is the fastest-growing container terminal in the United States over the past five years, with 54.9% volume growth since 2017. Once the channel deepening and widening project is completed, it will be the deepest container terminal in the Gulf of Mexico.