Houston Ship Channel recognized as the largest petrochemical complex in the U.S.

Petrochemical & Plastics Industry

Texas is the largest chemical-producing state, generating $172 billion in annual revenue. Houston is a global leader in manufacturing petrochemicals, with the Houston Ship Channel recognized as the largest petrochemical complex in the U.S. The Houston/SugarLand/Baytown region operates the largest petrochemical plants, including Bayport Industrial District, Battleground Industrial Complex, Bayport Shipping Terminal and the Houston Ship Channel.

Today, the chemical industry employs more than 100,000 workers directly with another 500,000+ related jobs in Texas and about half of those jobs are in the Houston region. In 2016, Texas led the nation in crude oil production, with 27 petroleum refineries producing more than 36% of the nation’s crude oil production. Houston accounts for over 42% of the nation’s base petrochemical capacity.

According to the EIA, Texas leads the nation in fossil fuel reserves and is the nation’s leading natural gas producer, accounting for approximately 28% of total U.S. natural gas production.

Based on data from Port Houston, the development of shale oil and gas increased the demand for container shipping and will increase future exports of plastics and chemicals.

This Houston Petrochemical and Plastics Industry overview is part of the annual 2018 Houston Economic Outlook. For the full report click here. 

Sections covered in the full report include:

Population Growth | Employment Sector | Business Climate | Global Energy Capital | Petrochemical & Plastics Industry | Port Houston | NASA/Johnson Space Center | Mobility Infrastructure | Airport System | Texas Medical Center | Biosciences & Biotechnology