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Georgia Ports Sustain 12% of State Employment

[ November 25, 2025   //   ]

Port activity in Georgia now supports nearly 651,000 full- and part-time jobs across the Peach State, according to an economic impact study by the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. The statewide number has grown by 41,770 jobs or 7 percent compared to fiscal year 2023, the period covered by the previous study. Georgia ports now help sustain 12 percent of total state employment, according to the study.

“As powerful economic drivers, the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick are a key part of the pro-job creator environment we’ve fostered to ensure every part of our state can thrive,” said Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

The Port of Savannah, one of the nation’s busiest gateways for containerized trade, moved 5.7 million twenty-foot equivalent-equivalent units (TEUs) in fiscal year 2025, which ended June 30. The Port of Brunswick, the nation’s busiest port for autos and heavy equipment, handled 870,775 units of autos and heavy equipment in FY2025. 

“We’re focused on driving growth that supports businesses and communities across our state,” said Georgia Ports President and CEO Griff Lynch. “We appreciate the trust companies across Georgia place in our port and the strong partnerships we’ve built with organizations like the local chambers and economic development authorities. Together, we’re building a more connected and competitive Georgia.”

GPA’s top three export commodity groups for the study period were forest products, food and automotive cargo. The top imports were machinery, retail goods and furniture.

“Georgia’s ports are one of its strongest economic engines, fostering the development of virtually every industry,” said Jeff Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth, who conducted the study. “The ports are especially supportive of other forms of transportation, logistics, wholesale/distribution centers, warehousing, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, and mining.”

According to the new findings, the statewide economic impact of Georgia’s deepwater ports in fiscal year 2024 includes:

• US$174 billion in sales, accounting for 11 percent of Georgia’s total sales, an increase of 2 percent or $3 billion compared to FY2023.

• US$77 billion in state GDP, or 9 percent of Georgia’s total GDP, up 7 percent or $5 billion compared to FY2023.

• US$43 billion in income, amounting to 7 percent of Georgia’s total personal income, an increase of 7.5 percent or $3 billion compared to FY2023.

Trade through Georgia’s ports also helps to support government services, yielding US$10 billion in federal taxes, US$3 billion in state taxes, and US$3 billion in local taxes annually.

GPA Board Chairman Alec Poitevint said terminal improvements Georgia Ports is making to support growth are self-financed through port proceeds and do not rely on taxpayers. The Port of Savannah handles 35 weekly vessel services, 14,000-16,000 truck moves per day and 42 double-stack trains per week. The Port of Brunswick became the nation’s busiest gateway for autos and heavy equipment in 2024, moving 901,000 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo.

The UGA study, The Economic Impact of Georgia’s Deepwater Ports on Georgia’s Economy in FY 2024 is available at gaports.com/more-impact.

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