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Liner shipping plays a critical role in the US economy as it supports 6.4 million jobs and transports $1.5 trillion in US trade, according to new report from S&P Global
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Liner shipping is the greatest contributor to UAS maritime trade
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Almost half of all imports that enter the US by liners are used in US production processes
Liner shipping plays a “critical” role in the US economy as it transports more than $1.5 trillion in goods, making it the single largest channel for maritime trade, according to a new report from S&P Global.
Liners carry at least 64.4% of all US seaborne trade by value. “This equals 30% of total US trade across all modes,” said the report, released by the World Shipping Council at a time of great trade uncertainty caused by US President Donald Trump’s announcement of additional tariffs on most US trading partners.
The report emphasized liner shipping’s essential role in US domestic production. 44% of US imports transported by liner ships, valued at $490 billion, are industrial inputs such as components, supplies, and raw materials used by American businesses. These inputs generated $628 billion in additional US economic output.
“On average, every $1 million in imported inputs supported 11 US jobs, generating $2.1 million in GDP,” said S&P.
Liner shipping also connects American exporters and farmers to global markets, thereby enabling domestic production, it said.
The report found that 6.4 million jobs are supported by liner shipping in the US, “representing $442.5 billion in wages and salaries.” Jobs include longshore workers to men and women manning US factory floors.
Liner shipping directly supports 169,000 jobs at US ports and drives $77.1 billion in revenue from port-based businesses, thereby supporting the US economy with every direct job at its ports.
The sector generates $262.5 billion in U.S. federal and state tax revenue.
In 2023, S&P reported that liner vessels made 18,461 port calls across the US, “highlighting the scale and regularity of service that keeps US ports, regional economies, and supply chains active year-round.
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