International

 

International Policy   See the Latest on Imports & Exports in Florida     Florida Foreign Direct Investment Report

The Florida Chamber advocates for free enterprise, expanding trade based on rules, growing opportunities for small businesses and increasing foreign direct investment.  Expanding rules-based trade and investment is a key engine for Florida’s growth.  The International Trade and Investment Office works to advance these efforts on behalf of the business community every day.

Florida is Made for Trade

Florida is now the third most populous state – and we’re still growing. By 2030, six million more residents will call Florida home and two million more jobs will be needed. To prepare for this continued growth and to ensure Florida remains successful, we must continue to seek new opportunities. International trade and Investment have been important factors in Florida’s success – our current and future economy is tied to its ability to be a successful hub for international trade investment.

Today, if Florida were a country, it would be the 17th largest in the world by gross domestic product. Free and fair trade is essential to Florida’s global competitiveness, and policies that enhance competition in the global marketplace and reduce or eliminate barriers to trade and investment will further grow Florida jobs.

The Facts Are Undeniable

Trade

  • More than 2 million Florida jobs depend on trade – that’s 1 in 5 Florida jobs
  • Florida is 7th ranked state for origin exports
  • 40% of Florida Origin exports are destined to countries which the US has a free trade agreement
  • Florida is third in the U.S. in “export intensity” – exporting 37% of manufactured goods
  • 61,000 Florida companies export
  • Florida exports over $4 billion in agricultural products to over 170 countries

Investment

  • Over 266,000 are employed by majority-owned U.S. affiliates of foreign companies
  • Florida is 6th ranked state for foreign direct investment
  • International business and foreign direct investment accounts for approximately 17 percent of Florida’s economic activity