Here are a few of the major sectors fueling our regional economy:

Trade
One of the city’s well-established economic cornerstones is the Port of Tacoma. On average, the Port handles more than 13 million tons of cargo and $20 billion in international trade each year. A major gateway to Asia and Alaska, the Port of Tacoma is the largest container port in the Pacific Northwest and the fifth largest in North America. Port activity creates 28,400 family-wage jobs in the region while contributing more than $470 million in annual wages in Pierce County and $77 million each year in state and local taxes. This connection to the world is attractive to many developers, including those from as far away as Anchorage, Oakland, and Germany.

Manufacturing
Thanks to a skilled workforce, available land, and a networked transportation system, Pierce County is now home to more than 700 manufacturing firms. Several major businesses have manufacturing plants in the Frederickson Industrial Area including James Hardie Building Products and Medallion Foods. Diane's Foods has a large tortilla production plant in the Fife Valley. Milgard Windows, Davidson Plastics, Brown & Haley and Pacific Coast Showcase are among light industrial facilities located in the area. 

Forestry and Natural Resources
The Port of Tacoma ships more forest products than any other port on the West Coast.  The region's forest product companies also lead the world in conservation breakthroughs.  For instance, Weyerhaeuser and Simpson Tacoma Kraft have established strong recycling programs for used paper products. 

Military
From Fort Lewis to McChord Air Force Base, there is little doubt that national defense is a major driver of Pierce County’s economy. According to recent reports, the military is responsible for roughly 43,000 jobs in the county. More than 33,800 soldiers and civilians are employed at Fort Lewis, home of I Corps.

Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis provides medical care for military personnel and their dependents. The center employs about 2,590 active-duty and civilian personnel.

McChord AFB, home of the 62nd Airlift Wing, provides air transportation for U.S. Army and Air Force troops. The airbase employs some 5,400 military and civilian personnel. Overall, the economic impact of the base's military and civilian payroll, contracts, and aid for area schools surpasses $1.4 billion annually.