While the issues cited here impact all ports in the Western Hemisphere, the statistics used relate primarily to U.S. ports .
Ports play a leading role in facilitating trade and prosperity.
The expansion of the global economy and other economic pressures are altering the structure of maritime transportation. Ninety-five percent of U.S. international cargo by volume is transported by ocean. According to the U.S. Trade Representative s office, nearly 20 percent of all U.S. jobs are directly associated with international trade. Economists predict that trade will double by 2010. Our efficient transportation system that includes highways, railroads, ships and airplanes has made the movement of freight nearly invisible to most consumers.