A Few Good Reasons Why Businesses Should Be Involved in Global Trade

• Ninety-six percent of the world’s consumers live outside of the United States and 80 percent of economic consumption takes place outside of the United States.
• Exporting provides a wider market and greater profits, especially when the domestic market is saturated or dormant.
• The United States is a good example of growth through trade. In 1960, trade was 9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Today, it accounts for approximately 30 percent of the GDP, a measure of all economic activities.
• Florida's total international merchandise trade volume was equivalent to about 15% of the state's Gross State Product in 2006. The state's total merchandise trade (goods that pass through one of Florida's seaports or airports) amounts to over $109 billion a year - $52.3 billion in exports and $57.4 billion in imports. Florida accounts for about 3.8% of U.S. trade with the world and is the 10th largest international trade region in the country.

Florida: Export Details (September 2007)
http://ita.doc.gov/td/industry/otea/state_reports/florida.html

• Exports Support Jobs for Florida's Workers
• Exports Sustain Thousands of Florida Businesses
• Foreign Investment Benefits Florida
• Florida Depends on World Markets
• Exports Support Jobs for Florida's Workers

Florida Economic Bulletin

• Quarterly Economic Indicators 2007 (link to eflorida)

Board Director:
Ann S. Rogers
Keller Williams Realty
ann@annrogers.com

Staff:
Alma R. Ayala
Senior Vice President
Business & Community Development
arayala@stpete.com
727-388-2911 (Direct)