Georgia Ports Supported 605,000 Jobs in Fiscal Year 2025

State economic activity from port operations generated $181 billion in annual sales last fiscal year.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Transportation

Isometric editorial illustration of stacked shipping containers and a tall gantry crane on a concrete pier. — Georgia's port network supported 605,000 jobs in fiscal year 2025, contributing $181 billion in annual sales to the state's economy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Data from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business shows that Georgia ports supported 605,000 jobs during fiscal year 2025. This activity represented 12 percent of total statewide employment and generated $181 billion in annual sales.

Why it matters

The economic impact of the port network grew by $7 billion in fiscal year 2025, underscoring its role as a critical engine for state revenue and labor. The system, which includes the Port of Savannah and Port of Brunswick, supports extensive infrastructure through tax contributions.

Port activity generated $16 billion in combined federal, state, and local taxes in fiscal year 2025. The Port of Savannah handled 5.67 million twenty-foot equivalent container units in fiscal 2026, while Brunswick processes 65,000 vehicles monthly.

The players

University of Georgia Terry College of Business

This academic institution conducted the comprehensive economic impact study regarding state port operations.

Georgia Ports

This authority manages the state's maritime infrastructure and plans a $5 billion capital investment program.

The details

The port network utilizes 40 weekly vessel calls and 42 trains per week to sustain its operations through direct interstate access. Georgia Ports has committed to a $5 billion self-financed investment program that includes five new container berths in Savannah and a fourth Roll-on/Roll-off berth in Brunswick.

Fiscal year 2024 saw ports support 11 percent of state economic output.
During fiscal year 2025, the total economic impact rose by $7 billion.
In fiscal year 2026, the Port of Savannah handled 5.67 million container units.

Market Landscape

This growth reflects a broader trend of state-led infrastructure investment aimed at securing competitive trade capacity. The expansion follows the growth trajectory established by the Georgia Ports Authority's $5 billion investment program.

The port network's robust activity supports 12 percent of statewide employment, influencing job stability across diverse industries. Ongoing infrastructure expansion aims to maintain efficient interstate cargo movement for the state's businesses and residents.

The takeaway

The sustained growth in port activity highlights the critical importance of maritime logistics to the state's overall fiscal health. Residents and businesses benefit from the significant tax revenue and employment opportunities generated by these terminal operations.