America’s Seaports Endorse Approval of Trans-Pacific Partnership

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the unified voice of America’s seaports, endorses the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement between the United States and its trading partners in the Pacific.

AAPA has long supported trade policies based on equity and fairness. The prosperity of the U.S. is inextricably entwined with that of the rest of the world. We believe this agreement, and others pending, will increase trade and U.S. exports. This increase in trade will provide more jobs in our ports and better wages for our workers.

America’s seaports deliver vital goods, ship U.S. exports, create jobs, and support local and national economic growth. Cargo activity at U.S. ports currently accounts for over a quarter of the U.S. economy and $650 billion in personal income, supports the employment of over 23 million American workers, and generates over $320 billion in local, state and federal tax revenues. These enormous impacts will increase further due to the trade growth anticipated as a result of the TPP agreement. For every additional $1 billion in exports shipped through U.S. seaports, 15,000 U.S. jobs are created. Jobs in export-intensive industries pay up to 18 percent more, on average, than jobs in other industries.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership is good for American ports and American jobs. AAPA and the following U.S. member ports strongly endorse quick approval of TPP.

Alabama State Port Authority Port of Longview American Association of Port Authorities Port of New Orleans Georgia Ports Authority Port of Oakland Jacksonville Port Authority Port of Olympia Maine Port Authority Port of Palm Beach Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River Port of Pascagoula and Bay Port of Pensacola Maryland Port Administration Port of Port Angeles Northwest Seaport Alliance Port of Portland Panama City Port Authority Port of Redwood City Plaquemines Port, Harbor & Terminal Port of San Diego District Port of Seattle Port Everglades Port of South Louisiana Port Manatee Port of Tacoma Port of Benton Port of Vancouver Port of Corpus Christi Port of Virginia Port of Everett Port of Wilmington, Delaware Port of Grays Harbor Port Tampa Bay Port of Gulfport PortMiami Port of Hueneme Ports of Indiana Port of Humboldt Bay South Jersey Port Corporation Port of Kalama