New Jersey’s ports are critical to the state’s economy. The Port of New York and New Jersey is the largest port complex on the east coast of North America, and the second largest in the United States The state boasts major metropolitan-based port facilities in Newark and Elizabeth, which are a part of the Port of New York and New Jersey; and on the Delaware River, in Camden, Gloucester, and Salem; two major international airports (Newark-Liberty and Atlantic City); access to rail; and a highway system that connect ports of entry to intra- and inter-state markets. The Port of New York and New Jersey and the ports operated by the South Jersey Port Corporation had a record breaking year for cargo in 2006.
The ports’ strategic location, developed transportation infrastructure, and access to a significant percentage of the national market within one day’s drive, are key assets that have made the state a gateway for international trade. The ports and freight industry support more than 500,000 jobs and move goods valued at more than $850 billion annually. Critical investments are being made by the state in coordination with private industry to support the growth of the state’s ports and logistics infrastructure. The state will continue to work with various public and private entities responsible for domestic and international goods movement to ensure the industry and the state remains competitive.
