ICYMI: Enterprise Florida and Florida Department of Transportation Conclude Trade Mission to Brazil

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Last week, Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) held a trade mission to Intermodal South America in San Paulo, Brazil, from February 27 through March 2. Enterprise Florida led a delegation consisting of Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., representatives from Florida seaports and airports, and various Florida companies and community partners.

“Florida leads the country in trade with South America and this mission will build on existing relationships and create new ones that will further economic growth in our state,” said Laura DiBella, Florida Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida. “Our delegation is committed to expanding business and employment opportunities to ensure our state remains the best place in the nation to live and work. We are excited to showcase Florida’s world-class infrastructure that will continue to increase positive economic outcomes for our state’s workforce.”

Intermodal South America is the largest trade and logistics show in the Americas; last year’s event brought more than 18,000 people from 45 countries together to share insights and opportunities in logistics, cargo transport, and trade.

“Driven by Governor Ron DeSantis’ bold leadership and investments in transportation, Florida’s seaports, airports, and trade hubs are expanding to facilitate and maintain a healthy supply chain. These transportation investments have a significant economic impact and create more high-paying jobs, further positioning Florida as a world leader in transportation and logistics,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Our ability to increase trade with nations throughout Latin America and South America reinforce Florida’s leading role as the nation’s gateway to the Americas and truly reaffirm the importance of a robust transportation network.”

The Florida delegation includes:

• SeaPort Manatee
• World Trade Center Miami
• Port Tampa Bay
• Port Miami
• Beacon Council
• Miami International Airport
• Port Everglades
• Omni Transloading and Logistics
• Jacksonville Port Authority
• Embraer

In 2022, Florida trade hit all-time records. Merchandise trade valued at $190 billion flowed through Florida’s seaports and airports with Florida-origin exports reaching $67.5 billion, and Florida exported goods to more than 200 countries, making the state one of the world’s leaders in international trade.

Trade between Florida and Brazil alone generated $22.6 billion last year with $17.3 billion in exports and a 6.5 percent increase in trade over the past year. There are 46 Florida-based companies operating in Brazil and 16 Brazilian companies operating in Florida.

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Enterprise Florida (EFI), the state’s lead commerce agency, serves as a catalyst for economic development by promoting Florida as a premier business destination and expanding the state’s economy through private-sector job creation. At the forefront of economic development in Florida, EFI is responsible for rolling out the red carpet to business and industry and supporting industry clusters by serving as a lead partner connecting businesses with state and local resources. As a public-private partnership of Florida’s business and government leaders, EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, business growth through international trade and exporting programs, promotion of the sports industry, promotion and protection of Florida’s military bases, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners, including DEO, to showcase Florida as the leading state for business.