Which are the five largest United States seaports in total tonnage?

1. Port of South Louisiana (772.3 million tons in 2021)

Louisiana's expansive energy and agricultural sector underpins the strong freight economy supported by the port. Additionally, the Gulf Coast location means that this port sees a substantial amount of petroleum and foreign-made agricultural products.

2. Port of Houston (657.3 million tons in 2021)

The busiest port in Texas and the second largest in the United States, the Port of Houston is known as “the global energy capital.” Located 50 miles (80 km) from the Gulf of Mexico, the port also serves as the largest oil and gas port in the country, handling nearly half of the nation's crude oil imports.

3. Port of New Orleans (571.3 million tons in 2021)

The Port of New Orleans is located upriver on the Mississippi River, making it a gateway for commerce throughout the Midwest. As a result, the port is a leader in the import of coffee and fruits. It also hosts the largest container terminal in the Gulf region.

4. Port of Beaumont (493.2 million tons in 2021)

The Port of Beaumont stands as the largest deepwater port in Texas. As with other ports on the Gulf Coast, the Port of Beaumont is integral to the energy industry. It houses a major distribution center for refined petroleum products and crude oil.

5. Port of Corpus Christi (389.7 million tons in 2021)

A relatively small and shallow port, the Port of Corpus Christi's biggest draw is its proximity to crude oil fields in Central Texas. As such, it is primarily a hub for petroleum and coal exports as well as chemical products.