- In 2023, the Northwest Seaport Alliance, Port of Seattle, and Port of Tacoma collectively supported over 265,000 jobs and generated nearly $55 billion in business output.
- The Port of Seattle’s operations alone contributed $39 billion in output, driven largely by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and a growing cruise and commercial fishing industry.
- The Port of Tacoma and NWSA’s marine cargo and breakbulk activities supported over 52,000 jobs and $14 billion in business output statewide.
- The report highlights the strong economic impact of these ports across aviation, marine cargo, commercial fishing, and real estate, reinforcing Washington’s position as a trade leader.
The latest regional economic impact analysis highlights the significant role The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), the Port of Tacoma, and the Port of Seattle play in driving both regional and state economies. In 2023 alone, these organizations supported over 265,000 jobs, generated $17.7 billion in wages and benefits, and contributed nearly $55 billion in business output.
For the first time, the report provides a unified view of the economic contributions across marine cargo, aviation, real estate, commercial fishing, and the cruise industry. It accounts for not only direct employment—such as longshore workers, truck drivers, and airport staff—but also the broader indirect and induced impacts of port operations. This comprehensive analysis underscores the wide-reaching influence of these maritime and transportation hubs, according to the Port of Seattle.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance and Port of Tacoma: Catalysts for Economic Growth
The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), responsible for managing marine cargo operations across both harbors, handled nearly 3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containerized cargo in 2023, placing it among the largest cargo gateways in the U.S. In addition to container traffic, the NWSA also plays a key role in handling auto imports and breakbulk cargo. Its operations last year supported an estimated 52,100 jobs, including 18,000 direct roles, and contributed $4.4 billion in wages and benefits, along with nearly $14 billion in business output across Washington state.
The report further noted that trade flowing through the NWSA’s South Harbor, along with other Port of Tacoma business lines, supported more than 41,000 jobs, generated $3.4 billion in wages and benefits, and produced a total business output of nearly $10.8 billion.
Highlighting the broader economic role of the gateway, Northwest Seaport Alliance Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President John McCarthy emphasized that Washington is not only the most trade-dependent state in the nation but also a leader in trade execution. He noted that the gateway supports a thriving supply chain and quality jobs across the state, while also serving farmers in Idaho and consumers in the Midwest, reinforcing its national economic relevance.
Port of Seattle’s Diverse Operations Deliver Strong Economic Impact
In 2023, the Port of Seattle played a pivotal role in the regional economy, supporting over 205,000 jobs and generating nearly $39 billion in total business output. The Port’s operations also contributed $396 million in fiscal impact to the state. Its largest business line, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), accounted for almost 175,000 jobs, $10.5 billion in wages and benefits, and $33.3 billion in business output—underscoring the airport’s significance as a regional economic engine.
Beyond aviation, the Port’s cruise industry is on track to support 5,120 jobs by 2025, along with $327 million in wages and over $1.2 billion in business output. In 2023, commercial fishing activities contributed 8,790 jobs and brought in $484 million in wages and more than $1 billion in business output. Additional operations—including real estate, maritime moorage, and recreational boating—provided another 16,035 jobs, generating nearly $1.3 billion in wages and close to $3.3 billion in output.
Port of Seattle Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa emphasized the importance of the Port’s sustainable, forward-looking approach, noting that these results reflect the benefits of long-term collaboration with the Port of Tacoma through the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
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Source: Port of Seattle
