Regional Overview:
North America's maritime trade is dominated by ports along the U.S. West and East Coasts, with Canada and Mexico also playing increasingly important roles. The region’s ports serve as critical gateways for trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic trade, with major volumes coming from and going to Asia and Europe. While U.S. ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York/New Jersey top the list in terms of TEU throughput, other ports are rapidly investing in infrastructure to handle growing demand and logistical shifts.
1. Port of Los Angeles
The busiest container port in North America, central to trans-Pacific trade.
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Annual Container Volume: 8.6 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Electronics, furniture, apparel, automotive parts
2. Port of Long Beach
Adjacent to Los Angeles, known for its environmental innovation and automation.
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Annual Container Volume: 8.0 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Consumer goods, machinery, plastics
3. Port of New York and New Jersey
The largest East Coast port, linking Europe to North America's interior.
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Annual Container Volume: 7.8 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, machinery
4. Port of Savannah
Fast-growing Southeastern port with excellent inland connectivity.
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Annual Container Volume: 4.35 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Retail goods, forest products, chemicals
5. Port of Houston
Key U.S. Gulf Coast port, energy and petrochemical hub.
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Annual Container Volume: 3.8 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Plastics, resins, chemicals, food products
6. Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle–Tacoma)
Pacific gateway port alliance with access to key Asian markets.
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Annual Container Volume: 3.0 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Seafood, electronics, industrial equipment
7. Port of Virginia (Norfolk)
Deepwater, highly automated, and strategically located for rail access inland.
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Annual Container Volume: 3.8 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Paper, furniture, agricultural products
8. Port of Vancouver (Canada)
Canada’s largest and most diversified port on the Pacific.
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Annual Container Volume: 3.5 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Grain, coal, containers, automobiles
9. Port of Oakland
Key Northern California port with strong export capabilities.
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Annual Container Volume: 2.07 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Agricultural exports, electronics, apparel
10. Port of Montreal (Canada)
Atlantic-facing port with strong ties to Europe and inland Canada/US.
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Annual Container Volume: 1.7 million TEUs
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Primary Cargo: Machinery, grain, beverages, chemicals