Economy

Houston is one of the nation's main industrial and commercial centers. Its economy, which has long been expanding, is based to a large extent on petroleum and natural gas and on the activities of its busy port. The Houston area is the nation's leading center of petroleum refining and one of the world's leading centers for the production of petrochemicals. Other chemical products, especially those utilizing local resources of sulfur and salt, are also important.

The making of machinery and the fabricating of metals are major activities in the Houston area. Of particular importance are the making of oil-field equipment and construction machinery. Other significant industries produce foods and beverages; primary metals; wood products; paper and paper products; and stone, clay, and glass items. Printing and publishing are also important. Many industrial plants are located along the Houston Ship Channel.

Companies and organizations devoted to research and development and to engineering have proliferated in Houston since the 1960's. They deal with such areas as the space program, medical technology, and the development and more efficient utilization of energy resources. Some of the nation's largest construction and engineering firms have headquarters in Houston. The construction industry is one of the largest employers in the city.

Houston is a leading financial center and an important hub of international trade. Such trade is mostly through the Port of Houston, which, in terms of tonnage handled, ranks among the top ports in the United States. Imports include petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, and iron and steel. Petroleum and petroleum products, agricultural products, chemicals, and plastics are the leading commodities in export trade.

Service-sector businesses and government installations, such as the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, also contribute substantially to the economy.