Georgia Ports generates $181 billion in economic impact annually, supports 605,000 jobs
Georgia’s ports support 605,616 full- and part-time jobs at Peach State businesses, yielding $44 billion in annual income, according to the latest study from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. “This report confirms what we’ve seen for years: our Ports are exceptional drivers of job creation and economic activity, both in the booming ...
Georgia's ports contribute $181 billion annually to the state's economy, supporting 605,616 full- and part-time jobs, as reported by the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business in a recent study. Governor Brian Kemp commended the ports' role in job creation and economic activity across the state. The UGA study found that port-related employment increased by more than 44,500 jobs between fiscal years 2021 and 2025.
Jeff Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth, noted that 12% of Georgia's jobs are linked to the ports. The total economic impact of Georgia's ports rose by 4% to $7 billion in fiscal year 2025, reaching $181 billion in annual sales across the state. Port activity supports $10 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.
The Port of Savannah is the busiest container port on the South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, handling 5.67 million container units in fiscal year 2026. The Port of Brunswick is home to the country's busiest and fastest-growing auto port. Georgia Ports Authority is investing in a $5 billion plan to expand port and inland infrastructure over ten years, aiming for a 55% growth increase.
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