A new economic report says Port Taranaki contributes $465 million to the region's gross domestic product, up significantly from five years ago.
The report, commissioned by Taranaki Regional Council, says activity is up 40% since 2007.
Although container volume has dropped with Fonterra switching to using Auckland and Tauranga ports, the report says log exports and oil and gas activity is growing.
Taranaki is the third largest export port for volume, behind Tauranga and Lyttelton.
Regional council chairman David MacLeod said the report highlights how vital the port is, especially given the region's isolation and reliance on export-focused industries.
