April 5 marks day of recognition for port contributions to the economy
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) — 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.
About AAPA
Founded in 1912, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is the recognized and coordinated voice of seaports in the Americas. Our trade association represents more than 150 public port authorities in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. In addition, association members include more than 300 sustaining and associate firms and individuals with an interest in the seaports of the Western Hemisphere. AAPA is dedicated to strengthening the ability of member ports to serve their global customers and create economic and social value for their communities. AAPA promotes the common interests of the port community, and provides leadership on trade, transportation, environmental and other issues related to port development and operations. AAPA also raises awareness among the public, media, and policy makers about the essential role ports play within the global transportation system. AAPA headquarters is located in Alexandria, Virginia, approximately 5 miles south of Reagan National Airport, at 1010 Duke Street. The staff includes 14 full-time, and three part-time, employees. AAPA’s annual budget is approximately $2.7 million. AAPA is governed by its 10-member Executive Committee and 52-member Board of Directors. AAPA has 12 technical and three policy committees; there are 350 individual corporate and almost 200 individual associate members on the committees.
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American Association of Port Authorities
1010 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3589
T: 703.684.5700 F: 703.684.6321 E: info@aapa-ports.org
