Liner shipping keeps America’s economy moving.
Liner shipping delivers U.S. exports to the world, brings essential goods to American families and manufacturers, and supports millions of American jobs.
$1.5 trillion in U.S. trade annually
Liner shipping moves 64.4% of all U.S. seaborne trade by value, representing over $1.5 trillion in goods. This makes liner the single largest channel for maritime trade.
6.4 million U.S. jobs
6.4 million American jobs are supported by liner shipping, representing $442.5 billion in wages and salaries. These jobs extend from longshore workers to the U.S. factory floor.
Largest contributor to U.S. maritime trade
Liner shipping directly supports 169,000 jobs at U.S. ports and drives $77.1 billion in revenue for port-based businesses. In 2023, liner ships made 18,000 U.S. port calls.
S&P Global Report on liner shipping in the U.S.
A 2025 S&P Global report, commissioned by the World Shipping Council, quantified the annual impact on the U.S. economy of the Liner Shipping Industry as measured by key economic metrics, including sales activity, contribution to US gross domestic product (GDP), jobs, wages and government revenues.
The report found that liner shipping:
-
Liner shipping moves $1.5 trillion in U.S. trade made up of $335 billion in exports and $1.1 trillion in imports.
This represents 64.4% of all seaborne trade ($1.5 trillion out of $2.3 trillion).
-
Liner Shipping Industry makes a substantial contribution to the US economy, generating $1.1 trillion in GDP.
-
6.4 million American jobs are supported by liner shipping, representing $442.5 billion in wages and salaries. These jobs extend from longshore workers to the U.S. factory floor.
-
43.8% of U.S. imports, worth $490 billion, were inputs like components, supplies, and raw materials used by American businesses in their production processes. These imports created $628 billion in U.S. economic output.
On average, every $1 million in imported inputs supported 11 U.S. jobs and generated $2.1 million in GDP, underlining their critical role in domestic manufacturing and economic growth.
-
Liner vessels made 18,000 port calls across the United States, highlighting the scale and regularity of service that keeps U.S. ports, regional economies and supply chains active year-round.
Liner shipping directly supports 169,000 jobs at U.S. ports and drives $77.1 billion in revenue for port-based businesses.
Supporting ports supports the American economy with every direct job at a US port supporting another 2.7 jobs and almost $700,000 of GDP.
Liner shipping supports American production & trade
Liner shipping moves $1.5 trillion in U.S. trade each year, including $335 billion in exports. Liner ships transport produce and goods from U.S. farms, factories, and mines to markets around the globe.
S&P Global’s report into the impact of liner shipping in the U.S. found 43.8% of U.S. imports, worth $490 billion, were inputs like components, supplies, and raw materials used by American businesses in their production processes. These imports created $628 billion in U.S. economic output.
On average, every $1 million in imported inputs supported 11 U.S. jobs and generated $2.1 million in GDP, underlining their critical role in domestic manufacturing and economic growth.
Liner shipping strengthens America’s national security
America’s economic power and national security depend on strong, secure trade routes.
International carriers operate U.S.-flag ships, build vessels in U.S. shipyards, and provide 75% of the vessels in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. That makes the industry a vital partner in securing American interests and keeping global sea lanes open.
Media
Media queries
For U.S. media queries, please contact Peter Howe:
617.678.4582 (mobile)
617.482.0042 (office)
Email: phowe@denterlein.com
For other media queries
Jordan Gribble, Communications Manager
Tel +44 07783 071294
Email: jgribble@worldshipping.org
Read our latest U.S. media releases