Texas remains one of the leading producers of raw materials in the U.S. Even though this industry might not get as much press or spotlight as other industries, it plays an important part in society. Let’s take a closer look at the raw material processing industry in this state.
Wide Variety
Texas produces scores of raw materials used in numerous industries across the U.S. and the world. Some of the raw materials that come from the Lone Star State include the following:
- Oil and Natural Gas
- Petrochemicals
- Cotton
- Sulfur
- Limestone
- Timber
Texas also produces a wide variety of agricultural products like corn, rice, wheat, and sorghum that are vital for the food and biofuel industries.
Employment Impact
As one of the leading producers of raw materials, Texas plays a key role in the American economy. Raw material production contributes about 20,200 direct jobs and close to 50,000 indirect jobs in companies.
Strategic Location
Further, Texas’s location makes it strategic for producing and shipping out raw materials. For example, it can ship out materials like fuel and corn through seaports along the Gulf of Mexico.
The state also has dozens of different highways and interstates, allowing it to ship out materials across the U.S. conveniently and quickly. Texas additionally is home to numerous railway systems.
The railway networks ensure the state can send materials to neighboring states like Louisiana and Oklahoma. It can also send materials to Mexico via the state’s rail system.
Innovation Hub
The raw material production in Texas allows this state to serve as an innovation hub in the U.S. Materials produced here provide the foundation for national and global manufacturers and companies to make Texas their home.
These businesses invest heavily in the state, creating jobs and driving innovation in industries like research and development. Texas is now home to some of the highest paying jobs in the country thanks in part to its production of raw materials.
Resilience
The raw materials production in the state proves resilient despite challenges that would sink other industries. For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the state’s raw material production continued to grow. Nonferrous metal production in particular flourished despite other industries taking a hit because of economic lockdowns.
Sustainability
Additionally, Texas leads the way in investing in sustainable practices for raw material production. These investments center on reducing emissions and developing environmentally friendly materials. They also focus on evolving industry standards to minimize ecological damage.
Export Leadership
While Texas is known for its petroleum and natural gas, it actually has a number of minerals that are processed and exported for usage. Some of the top raw materials and minerals found in Texas include stone, sand, gravel, salt, clay, phosphate, zinc, and soda ash.
These facts demonstrate why Texas remains vital to manufacturers and industries across the U.S. and the world. It provides immense amounts of raw materials used in food and fuel production. The money from raw material production in this state also contributes a significant amount of funds to the national economy.
