American Association of Port Authorities

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The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is a trade association founded in 1912 that represents 150 port authorities in the Western Hemisphere, including the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America.^[1]

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AAPA protects and advances the common interests of its diverse member organizations as they connect their communities with the global transportation system. Member ports vary in size, cargo and vessel types handled, operating structure, and geographic service area.

According to AAPA, America's ports are gateways to the world and a critical component in economic health and national defense. On average, each of the 50 states relies on 13 to 15 ports to handle its imports and exports, which add up to over $5.5 billion worth of goods moving in and out of U.S. ports every day.

The association has four main goals:

• Advocate governmental policies that strengthen and expand opportunities for member ports
• Advance professionalism in all facets of port management and operations
• Promote information sharing and relationship-building opportunities for all members
• Achieve greater understanding of the essential role and economic value of ports