The ports of Seattle and Tacoma are worth approximately US $6 billion to the state of Washington, according to an economic impact report from the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA).
The report, released on January 28, 2019, shows that the ports, which comprise the NWSA, directly support 20,100 jobs and $1.9 billion in labour income.
The NWSA represents the fourth largest marine cargo gateway in the US and in 2017 it handled more than 3.7 million TEU and 26.1 million metric tons of containerized cargo.
Our economic impact study is out! Between @PortofSeattle & @PortofTacoma, our gateway directly supported 20,100 jobs and $1.9B in labor income in 2017—making us the 4th-largest container gateway in North America! Full report: https://t.co/9aqJm08WBQ pic.twitter.com/CqzoxzA8LD
— The Northwest Seaport Alliance (@SeaportNW) January 28, 2019
The majority of this cargo was international, though 700,000 TEU was shipped to and from Alaska, Hawaii and other domestic locations.
Factoring in upstream business-to-business transactions and worker earned income household consumption expenditures, the NWSA activities supported 58,400 jobs across the state of Washington economy.
A recent Port Technology technical paper explored the benefits of port cooperation, click here to find out more
In other words, for every direct job, marine activities through the NWSA support an additional 1.9 jobs throughout the state of Washington.
Speaking about the economic results, Port of Tacoma Commission President Claire Petrich said: “More than 90 percent of the world’s trade travels over water, with total volume expected to triple by 2050.
Port of Seattle
“NWSA ports need to be primed and ready to serve the future needs of our entire state.”
The Port of Seattle Commission Vice President Fred Fellman also commented: “The 3.7 million containers the ports of Seattle and Tacoma handled in 2017 supported 15,000 jobs and $1.5 billion in income and benefits.
“These middle-class jobs, averaging $95,000, are the backbone of an inclusive economy and underscore the importance of protecting and investing in our working waterfront.”
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