For years, Brownsville was seen mainly as a border city. Today it is a hub for energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and international trade — and the Port of Brownsville sits at the center of that transformation.
A port breaking records
At its 2026 State of the Port address, the Port of Brownsville reported 28 million tons of cargo in fiscal year 2025, matching its previous record and more than double the 13.9 million tons it moved in 2021.
A Texas Comptroller study found the port contributed $11.9 billion to Texas GDP and supported more than 101,000 jobs statewide. The acting Comptroller called ports like Brownsville a key reason Texas continues to lead the country in global trade
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Billions in new investment
The port reports a pipeline of more than $30 billion in potential projects across energy, manufacturing, aerospace, defense and supply chains. Highlights include:
- Rio Grande LNG (NextDecade): a $36 billion project with exports expected in 2027. About 73% of its 5,000+ on-site workers are Valley residents.
- Channel deepening: the $500+ million Brazos Island Harbor project deepened 17 miles of channel to 52 feet, opening the port to larger vessels.
- Steel and manufacturing: the port transships more steel into Mexico than any other U.S. port, and new facilities such as Forza Steel are adding jobs.
- Shipbuilding and defense: Karpowership’s $3 billion investment in the former AmFELS shipyard and autonomous-vessel builder Saronic are bringing new industries to the port.
As a Brownsville Navigation District leader put it: As our port grows, our region grows.
The SpaceX effect
Next to the port, SpaceX’s Starbase has added a new dimension to the local economy. A Cameron County study estimated more than $13 billion in economic impact over two years and about 24,000 direct and indirect jobs across South Texas. County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. said every city in Cameron County and the Rio Grande Valley shares in the benefits
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The city has even opened an Office of Space Commerce to handle space tourism and small-business opportunities. Local leaders describe a city that is no longer the sleepy border town
it was once thought to be.
Opportunities for local businesses
Large projects create demand for suppliers, contractors, hospitality, housing, logistics and professional services. Businesses that prepare now — with certifications, capacity and the right connections — will be in the best position to benefit from Brownsville’s next chapter.
