News Release
FOR RELEASE - March 21, 2016
Contact: Aaron Ellis, Public Affairs Director, aellis@aapa-ports.org
(703) 684-5700
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
Today, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) announced that its entire membership will celebrate Western Hemisphere Ports Day on April 5. On this special occasion, the association will recognize the industry’s role in job creation and economic prosperity, and its commitment to education, training and environmental stewardship initiatives on behalf of the communities they serve across the Americas.
“As the unified and recognized voice of the port industry, AAPA is excited to tell the world our story,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO. “Ports Day is part of an ongoing commitment to highlight to policymakers and the public about the vital role ports play in moving the goods we depend on and linking us to the global economy.”
He added: “Seaports of the Western Hemisphere are job creators and deliver prosperity around the globe.”
According to IHS World Trade Service, combined international sea trade moving through Western Hemisphere ports in 2014 totaled 3.48 billion metric tons in volume and US$3.75 trillion in value. Of that total, ports in Central and South America handled 1.68 billion metric tons of cargo valued at US$1.36 trillion, while North American ports handled 1.79 billion metric tons of goods, valued at US$2.39 trillion.
However, the economic worth of all cargo in terms of jobs and business activity is much greater than its market value. According to Martin Associates of Lancaster, Pa., the total economic value of port activity in the U.S. alone in 2014 was $4.6 trillion.
“We’re proud to recognize the contributions of our member ports as we celebrate Western Hemisphere Ports Day,” said Mr. Nagle. “On behalf of workers, farmers, employers, manufacturers and consumers everywhere, our ports are truly united for the future.”
For more information about Western Hemisphere Ports Day, visit www.aapa-ports.org.
