The Port of Portland exported more than 50,000 vehicles in 2016, making it the top port on the US West Coast for auto exports.

According to the port’s annual report, a total of 291,242 units were exported and imported through the port, a 10.8% year-on-year increase.

“With our proximity to Asia, Portland has become a leading auto distribution hub,” said Keith Leavitt, chief commercial officer of the Port of Portland. “We’ve seen significant growth in exports since 2012 and expect that positive trend to continue in 2017.”

Cars that are made at American plants are brought to the port by rail and then shipped to China and other Asian destinations. Portland is also the first stop in the country for many vehicles that are manufactured in Japan and Korea.

“Vehicle imports and exports provide more than 600 direct local jobs for dockworkers, processors and others working in distribution and transportation throughout the supply chain,” said Leavitt. “Each vehicle imported brings an estimated economic benefit of US$275 to the region.”

The port and tenant Auto Warehousing Company were awarded a US$2.6 million grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation in August 2016 for a US$7 million expansion of auto-handling facilities near the port’s Terminal 6 to support the growth of auto exports.