Pacific Maritime Association

12 2024 ANNUAL REPORT DIRECT JOBS GENERATED BY CARGO AND VESSEL ACTIVITY AT WEST COAST PORTS Rail Industry 7,370 Trucking Industry 52,981 Terminal Operators 34,957 ILWU 15,405 Pilots/Tugs 1,453 Maritime Services 8,587 Freight Forwarders 7,821 Distribution Center/Warehouse/Transload 28,019 Government/Insurance/Banking/Legal 4,363 Total Direct Jobs 160,956 Source: Martin Associates A National and Global Commercial Gateway The 29 West Coast ports constitute the nation's largest maritime gateway, accounting for more than one-third of all imports to the United States. That represents over 1 million tons a day of cargo, including vital consumer, commercial, and industrial goods that are staples of the U.S. economy. Imports moving through West Coast ports are carried by rail and truck to destinations across the United States. Exports, too, come from around the nation. The ports are one piece in a much larger supply- chain network encompassing highways, rail lines, distribution centers, warehouses, and final destinations such as factories, stores, and homes. West Coast ports truly supply the nation, and in the coming years, further investment in infrastructure and technology – including emissions-reducing cargo-handling equipment – will be essential to enabling these assets to continue providing jobs and economic stimulus in the region and nationwide. Job Creation for the ILWU and Workers Far Beyond the Ports As of December 2024, PMA member companies employed more than 16,000 registered longshore workers, clerks, and foremen, as well as thousands more "casual" workers, who typically work part-time. West Coast port activity has supported a 55% growth in the ILWU workforce since the 2002 labor agreement that brought widespread use of technology to our port terminals and was later complemented by the 2008 agreement, which permitted the introduction of automation. Efficiency gains in the past 20 years due to technology have boosted port output as well as ILWU jobs. But the job-creating power of West Coast ports extends far beyond the docks. The ILWU workforce accounts for just one out of every 10 direct jobs supported by the ports, according to analysis of the most recent data by maritime economist John Martin, PhD. Cargo activity generated about 161,000 direct jobs at the port terminals and in the trucking industry, distribution centers, and other industries in 2021. West Coast ports also supported an estimated 375,000 induced and indirect jobs; and 11.9 million related user jobs. In all, the ports generated nearly $2 trillion in economic activity through port operations, domestic commerce, personal income, and consumption throughout the U.S. Ports Generate Billions in Tax Revenue West Coast port operations and downstream economic activity drive significant local, state, and federal tax revenues that directly fund public services. In 2021, the ports supported $113.5 billion in federal tax revenue and $43.1 billion in state and local tax revenue. This vital community-serving revenue stream is broad based, and includes personal and corporate income tax, local sales and property taxes, and transportation industry-related taxes, among others. Economic Significance of West Coast Ports West Coast ports are powerful economic and employment engines that support more than 12 million U.S. jobs and nearly $2 trillion in total economic value, representing almost 9% of U.S. GDP.

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