On June 16, Port Milwaukee hosted an event in recognition of the Great Lakes’ economic value. Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Port Director Jackie Q. Carter were in attendance.

The event spotlighted the vital role the Great Lakes maritime industry plays in regional economic development, international trade and community prosperity. This followed a major policy victory: the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) final determination on April 17, 2025, to exempt Great Lakes vessels from the $1.5 million port fees associated with the Section 301 investigation into Chinese-built ships. This exemption, secured through advocacy efforts and with the support of Congresswoman Moore, recognizes the unique operational and economic realities of Great Lakes shipping and affirms the importance of fair, harmonized trade policy.

“As Port Milwaukee’s fiercest advocate in Congress, I will continue to push for necessary investments and help prevent any barriers to its economic growth, so it can continue supporting good paying jobs and helping Wisconsin businesses and farmers engage with new markets,” Congresswoman Gwen Moore said. “The port’s growth is an overall benefit to our region and community.”

The event also served as a platform to showcase how Port Milwaukee promotes the movement of goods, supports job creation and drives sustainable growth across the Great Lakes region and the local economy.

“We are united in our support of healthy trade through Port Milwaukee and throughout the Great Lakes region. Our port supports manufacturers across the upper Midwest, and is a valuable transportation link for agricultural products grown in the region,” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “Our port also provides good local jobs, offering family-supporting wages through our many partners at Port Milwaukee.”

The event also highlighted the port’s role as a community asset—connecting local industry to global markets and reinforcing the region’s strategic importance in North American trade.

“Port Milwaukee is open for business – Business is the reason that we exist. Our work is built around supporting the ability to move goods and products through international markets using the safest, cleanest, most efficient mode of transportation – maritime shipping,” Port Milwaukee Director Jackie Q. Carter said. “We will continue to work with port partners, educating and advocating to ensure that we remain open for business.”