The County Borough has a population of 135,800 (mid-2004) and is the eighth largest unitary authority in Wales. Despite major changes in the structure of UK industry, Neath Port Talbot has retained its prominence as an area of manufacturing, accounting for 23% of jobs compared to just over 12% for Great Britain as a whole.

The County Borough has its share of well-known companies, with specific expertise in steel, automotive components, electronics, general and precision engineering. Recently, Amazon announced that a new distribution centre at Jersey Marine will create up to 1,200 jobs over the next few years. Corus, however, employs around 3,000 people and remains the largest industrial employer and a major contributor to the local economy, serviced as it is by a large number of local companies. Baglan Energy Park, with its high quality infrastructure and environment, is the area's flagship site for inward investment. It is the single largest development site in the UK. Developed in partnership by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, BP and the former Welsh Development Agency, the park is home to a stunning array of 21st Century buildings demonstrating the best in design, energy efficiency and environmental performance.