Georgia Ports Drive $181 Billion in State Sales
A study shows Georgia's ports support over 605,000 jobs and generate $44 billion in income, accounting for 12% of the state's total economic output.
Georgia's ports support 605,616 full and part-time jobs across the state, generating $44 billion in annual income. This finding comes from the latest study by the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business.
Total economic impact grew by 4%, or $7 billion, in fiscal year 2025 compared to the previous year. Port activity now underpins $181 billion in annual sales statewide. The study was conducted by Jeff Humphreys, Director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth.
Ports' Share of State Economy
Approximately 12% of statewide employment, nearly one in every eight Georgia jobs, is linked to port activity. Port customers, their suppliers, and businesses supported by port-user payrolls now account for 12% of Georgia's total economic output. This is up from 11% in fiscal year 2024.
Between fiscal years 2021 and 2025, employment supported by the ports increased by more than 44,500 jobs. Port-related business also generates significant tax revenue annually.
| Tax Type | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|
| Federal Taxes | $10 billion |
| State Taxes | $3 billion |
| Local Taxes | $3 billion |
Gateway Operations and Capacity
The Port of Savannah is the busiest container gateway on the South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. It handled 5.67 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in fiscal year 2026. Its operations are supported by 40 weekly vessel calls, direct interstate access, and 42 weekly trains to inland destinations.
Meanwhile, the Port of Brunswick's Colonels Island Terminal is the nation's busiest and fastest-growing port for automobile imports and exports. It handles roughly 65,000 units of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargo each month.
Major Infrastructure Investment
Georgia Ports Authority is implementing a self-financed $5 billion infrastructure plan. This investment will add five new container berths in Savannah, the most at any single U.S. port, and one new RoRo berth in Brunswick. The plan envisions a 55% capacity growth over the next ten years.
State leaders praised the ports' role. Governor Brian Kemp and GPA Board Chairman Alec Poitevint both highlighted the ports as exceptional drivers of job creation and economic activity. GPA President Kevin Price emphasised the ports' mission. He stated the goal is to provide cost-effective, reliable, and efficient services that attract business investment and create opportunities for Georgians.
The study confirms the ports' central role in the state's logistics network and broader economy.
