Port Houston Sets Container Volume Records as Corpus Christi Focuses on LNG Exports

Texas ports see diverging cargo trends, with Houston's container business booming and Corpus Christi's energy exports surging.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:55am

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Port Houston reported record container volumes, vessel movements, and truck gate activity in 2025, underscoring the continued strength of cargo flows through the Houston Ship Channel. Meanwhile, the Port of Corpus Christi saw a slight overall decline in cargo traffic, but a 15.4% increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, which have become a key focus for the port.

Why it matters

The contrasting fortunes of the two major Texas ports highlight the shifting dynamics in the state's maritime trade. While Houston's container business is booming, Corpus Christi is increasingly leaning on the growth of its energy export sector, particularly LNG, to drive its cargo volumes. This reflects broader trends in the U.S. economy and global trade.

The details

Port Houston handled 4.3 million TEUs in 2025, a 4% year-over-year increase and an all-time record for the public terminals. Loaded container volumes also climbed 4%, driven by a 1% increase in imports and a 7% jump in export loads. Overall tonnage at public facilities rose 3% to 54.5 million tons, the highest import totals in port history. In contrast, the Port of Corpus Christi moved 203.4 million tons of cargo in 2025, down 1.5% year over year, as softer crude oil and bulk volumes offset strong growth in LNG exports, which rose 15.4% to 18.6 million tons.

  • In 2025, Port Houston saw a 3% increase in overall tonnage at the public facilities, reaching 54.5 million tons, the highest imports in history.
  • Port Houston handled 4.3 million 20-foot equivalent units containers (TEUs) in 2025, up 4% year over year, another port record.
  • The Port of Corpus Christi moved 203.4 million tons of cargo in 2025, down 1.5% year over year.
  • LNG shipments at the Port of Corpus Christi rose 15.4% from 2024 to 18.6 million tons in 2025.

The players

Port Houston

A major public port authority that operates eight public terminals along the 52-mile Houston Ship Channel, including the Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals.

Port of Corpus Christi

A public port authority that has become a key hub for energy exports, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Charlie Jenkins

The CEO of Port Houston.

Lori Brownell

The chief infrastructure officer at Port Houston.

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What they’re saying

“In 2025, we saw a 3% increase in overall tonnage at the public facilities, 54.5 million tons, the highest imports in history. We also had 4.3 million 20-foot equivalent units containers (TEUs), up 4% year over year, another port record. Overall loaded TEUs increased 4%, reflecting 1% growth in imports and a 7% growth in the outbound loads, the export cargo.”

— Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston

“I'm happy to report that as of today (Jan. 27) we are officially draft restriction free in all the Houston Channel and our ports.”

— Lori Brownell, Chief Infrastructure Officer, Port Houston

What’s next

Port Houston is expecting the delivery of four new ship-to-shore cranes at the Barbours Cut Terminal this week, which will expand the terminal's crane fleet from 13 to 17 units, strengthening its capacity to handle growing cargo demand.

The takeaway

The diverging fortunes of Port Houston and the Port of Corpus Christi reflect the broader shifts in Texas' maritime trade landscape. While Houston's container business continues to thrive, Corpus Christi is increasingly positioning itself as a hub for energy exports, particularly LNG, underscoring the state's evolving role in the global supply chain.