Overall automaker activity at New Jersey ports rose 16 percent in 2013 over the previous year

WASHINGTON--May 19, 2014: According to new federal government data, overall automaker activity at New Jersey ports rose 16 percent in 2013 over the previous year. Light vehicle-related total imports climbed 12 percent, and light vehicle-related total exports rose a whopping 51 percent. All New Jersey port auto-related activity – including vehicles, parts, and accessories – in 2013 totaled over $14.8 billion.[i]

"Multiple automakers increasingly rely on New Jersey ports and the people they employ," said Mitch Bainwol, President and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "In addition to importing and exporting assembled vehicles for sale, automakers have sizable logistics and vehicle preparation centers at New Jersey ports. Combined also with seven North American headquarter campuses, finance centers, regional sales offices, and parts distribution facilities, this news demonstrates just how sizable automaker investment is within the state."

According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANY/NJ), it is the largest port in the United States for automobile imports and exports. In 2013, the port handled 745,419 new and used vehicles – up 5.4 percent in 2013 over 2012.[ii]

PANY/NJ port enterprises support more than 279,000 jobs representing nearly $12 billion in annual wages. Many of these jobs are allocated to increasingly-scarce high-quality skilled trades. The ports generate more than $5 billion in annual tax revenues to state and local governments.[iii]