THE American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) endorses the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement between the United States and its trading partners in the Pacific.

"The prosperity of the US is inextricably entwined with that of the rest of the world," said AAPA chief executive Kurt Nagle. 

"We believe this agreement, and others pending, will increase trade and US exports. This increase in trade will provide more jobs in our ports and throughout the nation," he said.

America's seaports deliver vital goods, ship US exports, create jobs, and support local and national economic growth. Cargo activity at US ports currently accounts for over a quarter of the American economy, said the AAPA statement.

"That includes US$650 billion in personal income, supports the employment of over 23 million American workers, and generates over $320 billion in local, state and federal tax revenues," it said.