Event recognizes contributions to jobs and the economy

Alexandria, VA - The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) – the unified and recognized voice of seaports in the Americas - and its entire hemispheric membership today are celebrating Western Hemisphere Ports Day, which recognizes the port industry’s role in creating jobs and propelling the economy in nations they serve across the Americas.

Ports throughout the hemisphere are honoring the occasion in different ways … from photo contests and creating ‘Ports Day’ t-shirts for staff to wear, to posting messages on social media of their economic contributions to their region.

“While recognizing the value that seaports play in our daily lives, Ports Day is also an opportunity to remind policymakers that ports need national support to be successful in facilitating the movement of trade that links all of us to the global economy,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO. “Today we’re encouraging everyone to think about the role ports play in their life, their community and the economy. Please use the hashtags #PortsUnited and #PortsDeliver when posting your thoughts today about ports on social media.”

According to IHS Markit’s World Trade Service, combined international sea trade moving through Western Hemisphere ports in 2016 totaled 3.49 billion metric tons and US$3.01 trillion in value. Of that total, ports in Central and South America handled 1.71 billion metric tons of cargo valued at US$941 billion, while North American ports handled 1.79 billion metric tons of goods, valued at US$2.07 trillion.  

“It doesn’t matter if you live near a seaport or a thousand miles away from one,” stressed Mr. Nagle, “the products you depend on and goods your nation exports move through ports. Without ports, your life would be radically different.

“As the unified voice of seaports in the Americas, AAPA is proud to recognize the contributions of our member port authorities as we celebrate Western Hemisphere Ports Day,” he said. “I hope you’ll join us.”