Austin, the 25th largest U.S. metro with 2.55 million residents has experienced steady growth fueled by its strong tech sector and diverse employers like Tesla, Dell, Apple, Google, HEB Grocery and IBM. Although not a seaport city, Austin plays an increasing role in global trade by leveraging inland depots and intermodal links to Gulf Coast ports such as Houston and Corpus Christi.

The Austin depot serves as vital link in the supply chain, facilitating container transfers between rail, truck, and air freight. Goods often arrive at Gulf Coast ports, are trucked or railed inland to Austin, and then distributed to regional or international markets. The primary imports and exports from Austin include semiconductors, electronics, and automotive tech, which rely on used containers for efficient transfers between rail, truck and air freight. This inland hub function is becoming more critical as global manufacturers expand operations in Central Texas.

Texas sits at the crossroads of major north-south and east-west transportation corridors, making it a natural hub for inland distribution. Its close border to Mexico makes it instrumental to cross border trade.

Imports and Exports

• Top Export Categories: Computer and electronic products, electrical equipment and components, chemicals, and transportation equipment.
• Top Exports (2023): Electro-diagnostic apparatus, radiators for motor vehicles, other aircraft parts, electronic integrated circuits, and communication apparatus, according to The Observatory of Economic Complexity.
• Austin's Export Ranking: 133rd largest exporter among U.S. metropolitan areas in 2023.