Industry concentrations in oil and gas extraction, pipelines and petroleum production will continue to 2045, but nationally these industries probably are contracting. For example, environmental concerns may reduce industry employment in petroleum production in other states such as California. Air, water and rail transportation and transportation services also are expected to grow in concentration. International trade fuels much of this growth. Mexico is Texas' largest market, thanks in part to its proximity, trade liberalization and the peso recovery.
Brazil is another important business partner.
Exports boost transportation employment as well as employment in manufacturing, which produces the merchandise, and in construction for needed warehouse space. Texas' high-tech manufacturing companies, producing items including semiconductors, communications equipment and computers, will drive much of this growth. Increases in these industries also will affect exports. Texas has many high-tech firms. Along the border, maquiladoras also engage in electronics manufacture.