
Today we are starting a series of articles related to the world’s biggest ports, and we will start with the United States.
The United States has a wide network of ports that serve as vital gateways for global trade. These massive hubs keep our economy humming by facilitating the import and export of countless goods. But with so many ports lining our coasts, which ones reign supreme in terms of size and activity? Let’s dive into the top 10 biggest ports in the US.
Ranking of the Top 10 US Ports
Our ranking focuses on TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), a key metric that reflects the sheer amount of goods a port handles. Keep in mind that some ports specialize in containerized cargo (shipping containers), while others handle bulk cargo like grain or coal.
Port of Los Angeles

Port of Los Angeles Key Metrics
Handled 8.63 million TEUs, a 13% decrease from 2022.
Top Imports in 2023:
- Furniture
- Auto parts
- Apparel
- Plastics
- Footwear
Top Exports in 2023:
- Paper/wastepaper
- Pet/animal feed
- Soybeans
- Recycled metal
- Fabrics/raw cotton
Port of Long Beach

Port of Long Beach Key Metrics
Handled 8 million TEUs, regaining its position as the second-busiest U.S. container port.
Top Imports in 2023:
- Crude oil
- Electronics
- Plastics
- Furniture
- Clothing
Top Exports in 2023:
- Petroleum coke
- Petroleum bulk
- Chemicals
- Waste paper
- Foods
Port of New York and New Jersey

Port of New York and New Jersey Key Metrics
Handled nearly 7.8 million TEUs, maintaining its position as one of the top three busiest U.S. container ports.
Top Imports in 2023:
- Petroleum
- Appliances
- Vehicles
- Plastics
- Electronics
Top Exports in 2023:
- Miscellaneous goods
- Primary metals
- Chemicals
- Computer and electronic products
- Machinery
Port of Savannah

Port of Savannah Key Metrics
Handled around 5.4 million TEUs in 2023.
Top Imports in 2023:
- Immunological products packings
- Medium-sized cars
- Medicaments
- Large sized cars
Top Exports in 2023:
- Aircraft parts
- Medium-sized cars
- Medicaments
- Electric motor vehicles
- Cotton
Port of Houston

Port of Houston Key Metrics
Handled nearly 3,8 million TEUs in 2023.
Top Imports in 2023:
- Petroleum oils
- Light petroleum distillates
- Photosensitive devices
- Medium-sized cars
- Electric accumulators
Top Exports in 2023:
- Petroleum oils
- Petroleum spirit for motor vehicles
- Light petroleum distillates
- Liquefied propane
- Ethylene polymers
A Day in the Life of Atlantic Project Cargo: Port Operations
Port of Virginia

Port of Virginia Key Metrics
In 2023, the Port of Virginia handled 3.3M TEUs, compared to 2.9M in 2019.
Top Exports in 2023
- Logs and lumber
- Soybeans and products
- Paper and paperboard
- Wood pulp
- Pet and animal Feeds
Top Imports in 2023:
- Furniture
- Auto parts
- Plastic products
- Toys
- Paper and paperboard
The Northwest Seaport Alliance

Port of Northwest Seaport Alliance Key Metrics
Handled nearly 2,9 million TEUs in 2023.
Top Imports
- Industrial machinery
- Electronics
- Vehicles
- Toys
- Furniture
Top Exports
- Oil seeds and grains
- Industrial machinery
- Prepared vegetables and fruits
- Fish and seafood
- Edible fruits
- Metals
Port of Oakland, California

Port of Oakland Key Metrics
Handled slightly over 2 million TEUs in 2023.
Top Imports in 2023:
- Electric accumulators
- Small sized cars
- Parts of electric accumulators
- Unroasted coffee
Top Exports in 2023:
- Fresh/Chilled boneless beef cuts
- Shelled almonds
- Fresh/chilled pork cuts
- Frozen boneless beef cuts
Port of Miami

Port of Miami Key Metrics
Handled around 1,1 million TEUs in 2023.
Top Imports in 2023:
- Cigars, cheroots, and cigarillos
- T-shirts
- Pullovers
Top Exports in 2023:
- Medium-sized cars
- Cotton yarn
- Parts of cranes, work-trucks, shovels, construction equipment
- Motor vehicle parts
Port of Charleston

Port of Charleston Key Metrics
Handled nearly 2.6 million TEUs in 2023.
Top Imports in 2023:
- Medicaments
- Engines
- Chemical products
- Aircraft parts
Top Exports in 2023:
- Other Aircraft parts
- Medium Sized Cars
- Large Diesel Cars
- Spark-ignition Chargeable Cars
Conclusion
These top 10 biggest ports in the US play a vital role in the economy, creating jobs and fostering international trade. As we move forward, sustainability efforts will likely play an increasingly important role in port operations. Many ports are already implementing eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact.
Stay tuned for future articles where we delve deeper into specific ports and how Atlantic Project Cargo can help you navigate the world of international shipping.
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