Port of Brownsville breaks records and solidifies role as regional economic engine

The Port of Brownsville reached a historic milestone in 2024 by handling over 28 million tons of cargo—the highest volume in its more than 85 years of operation. This achievement was announced by Esteban Guerra, Chairman of the Brownsville Navigation District (BND), during the 2025 State of the Port Address held at the Brownsville Events Center.

The announcement was supported by federal authorities including Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), who all praised the port’s achievements. Ana Garcia, South Texas Regional Director for Senator Cornyn, presented an official letter to Chairman Guerra and Port Director and CEO William Dietrich, recognizing the accomplishments.

"This unprecedented growth would not be possible without the unwavering support of our community and the commitment of the private sector," said Guerra. "We are working strategically to expand the port’s capabilities and drive regional economic development. This is only the beginning."

The port has become a magnet for new industrial investments. Companies like Forza Steel, Ternium*, and Texan Cement are developing major projects. Forza is nearing completion of a 650,000-square-foot steel plant with an $85 million investment that will create more than 600 jobs. Ternium is building a new marine terminal with a $200 million investment, which will boost steel handling capacity to over 9 million tons annually.

Meanwhile, Texan Cement is expanding its operations at the port with a $42 million investment, transitioning from imports to local production. The massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) project by NextDecade, one of the largest of its kind in North America, is also progressing steadily.

According to a study by Martin & Associates, Port of Brownsville operations generated $12 billion in economic activity in 2023—a 400% increase from 2018. In total, more than 66,000 jobs in Texas are linked to port activity, with over 10,000 located in the Rio Grande Valley, and direct impact extending into northern Tamaulipas.

The study also revealed that port-related employment accounted for $3.8 billion in labor income and expenditures, while state and local tax revenues totaled $285.3 million—including nearly $80 million directly from maritime operations.

The Port of Brownsville now ranks 41st among the top 150 U.S. ports by waterborne cargo tonnage, moving 11.2 million tons in 2023—a 23% increase from the previous year. The channel deepening project—from 42 to 52 feet—continues through a public-private partnership involving the port, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and NextDecade. The project is expected to be completed by 2026.

Simultaneously, the port is advancing the development of a 118-acre business park. Its first tenant, agrifood company Westa Inc., is building a $20 million grain milling and seed processing facility.

Foreign Trade Zone #62, headquartered at the port, remains among the nation’s top three by export value, totaling $7 billion, and has reached the 14th spot for imports for the first time. This momentum underscores the port’s importance as a key hub for U.S.-Mexico trade.

Additionally, Chairman Guerra’s recent appointment to the board of RioPlex—a binational regional organization—highlights the Port of Brownsville’s strategic role as a driver of shared economic development in South Texas and northern Tamaulipas.