The Continental Gateway: Latin American Port Rankings and Trade Flows

As global supply chains undergo a structural shift toward regionalization, the maritime hubs of Latin America have emerged as critical nodes for North American trade stability. According to the 2025 throughput data, these ports are no longer just transshipment points; they are the lifeblood of strategic U.S. export corridors.

The 2025 Power Rankings: Dominant Maritime Hubs

The following rankings reflect 2025 container throughput in TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

• 1. Colón port complex (Panama): about 5.88 million TEUs across its Caribbean terminals, the region’s main transshipment hub.
• 2. Port of Santos (Brazil): about 5.80 million TEUs, the largest container gateway in South America.
• 3. Cartagena (Colombia): about 4.14 million TEUs.
• 4. Balboa and the Panama Pacific terminals: about 4.03 million TEUs.
• 5. Manzanillo (Mexico): about 3.89 million TEUs, Mexico’s main Pacific container port.

2025 figures from the ranking by Ricardo J. Sánchez (Kühne Logistics Chair, Universidad de los Andes), as reported by MundoMaritimo, 21 September 2026. Port complexes group several terminals.

For what happens to cargo after it reaches a U.S. port, see our guide to Foreign-Trade Zones vs. bonded warehouses.

Strategic Trade Corridors: The Southeastern Connection

For businesses in the Southeastern United States, these port developments represent significant opportunities for expansion. Companies like Crowley (Florida) and Seaboard Marine (Florida) provide essential liner services that bridge the gap between U.S. manufacturing and Latin American consumers.

Furthermore, the Georgia Ports Authority and the Alabama Port Authority (Port of Mobile) serve as primary exit points for industrial machinery and agricultural exports destined for hubs like Callao (Peru) and Guayaquil (Ecuador).

Think Tanks & Regional Insights

For further research on trade policy and macroeconomic trends in the region, we recommend consulting these Southeastern institutions:

• FIU Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy: Provides deep analysis on security and trade in Latin America.
• Americas Society/Council of the Americas (Miami): A leading forum for the business community focused on Western Hemisphere trade.
• Georgia Tech CIBER: Offers specialized research on international business and logistics competitiveness.