Georgia Ports’ Economic Impact Reaches $181 Billion, Supporting More Than 605,000 Jobs

New University of Georgia study finds nearly one in eight Georgia jobs is tied to port activity

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Georgia’s ports continue to expand their role as one of the state’s most significant economic engines, supporting more than 605,000 full- and part-time jobs and generating $181 billion in annual sales across Georgia.

The latest economic impact study from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business found that port-supported employment accounts for approximately 12 percent of statewide employment — nearly one out of every eight jobs in Georgia.

Port activity also generates approximately $44 billion in annual income for Georgians. Between fiscal years 2021 and 2025, the number of jobs supported by port activity increased by more than 44,500.

The findings underscore the reach of Georgia’s transportation and logistics network well beyond the docks in Savannah and Brunswick. Port customers, suppliers and businesses supported by port-related payrolls now account for 12 percent of Georgia’s total economic output, up from 11 percent in FY2024.

The total economic impact of Georgia’s ports increased by approximately $7 billion, or 4 percent, in FY2025 compared with the previous fiscal year.

“Every shipment through Savannah and Brunswick fuels Georgia's economy, supporting businesses, families and communities,” said Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO Griff Lynch.

Business conducted through Georgia’s ports also generates an estimated $10 billion in federal taxes, $3 billion in state taxes and $3 billion in local taxes.

Savannah’s Role in Georgia’s Logistics Network
The Port of Savannah remains the busiest gateway for containerized trade on the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, handling 5.67 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) in FY2026.

Its connectivity continues to strengthen Savannah’s position within the national supply chain. The port offers 40 weekly vessel calls, direct interstate access and 42 trains per week connecting cargo with inland destinations.

“Our mission is to empower businesses to thrive by providing the most cost effective, reliable and efficient port services in the country,” said Georgia Ports President Kevin Price. “When companies locate or expand in Georgia to take advantage of our supply chain, that means jobs and opportunities for Georgians.”

The Port of Brunswick is also experiencing significant growth. Colonels Island Terminal is the nation’s busiest and fastest-growing auto port, handling approximately 65,000 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo each month.

Looking ahead, Georgia Ports is undertaking a self-financed, $5 billion port and inland infrastructure investment program. The 10-year plan calls for five additional container berths in Savannah and a new Roll-on/Roll-off berth in Brunswick while preparing the port system for projected growth of 55 percent over the period.

For Savannah’s transportation and logistics community, the latest economic impact study demonstrates how activity moving through Georgia’s ports translates into jobs, business investment and economic activity throughout the state.

Source: Georgia Ports Authority; economic impact data from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business.