Houston port tabs Brazil as major trade partner

From 2010 to 2012, the Port of Houston handled 311,314 20-foot equivalent units of traded goods with Brazil.

Last year, the port's market share reached 17 percent of total trade with Brazil, which is is Texas' fourth-largest export market.

"Brazil is South America's largest economy and has shown potential for further growth," said Port of Houston Authority officials in a prepared statement. "Trade with Brazil has increased due to U.S. manufactured goods, such as synthetic resins, being exported out of Houston."

Machine parts, motor cars, plastic resins, coffee and granite are among Brazil's main imports and exports through the port. Further trade growth could be spurred by planned expansion projects in Houston that would increase ethylene production for export, authority officials said.

The port is served by BNSF Railway Co., Kansas City Southern and Union Pacific Railroad; switching services are provided by the Port Terminal Railroad Association.