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DeSantis Leads Trade Delegation to Italy

Florida Delegation Visits Italy

News Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will lead a trade delegation to Italy to strengthen economic ties. The trip will include visits to major cities and representatives from various sectors, reflecting Florida’s significant role in international trade, particularly with Italy as its 14th largest trade partner.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is set to lead a trade delegation to Italy from November 11 to November 15, aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two regions. This visit comes as part of a broader strategy to expand Florida’s international trade relationships and to explore opportunities across various sectors.

The delegation will visit major Italian cities, including Rome, Viareggio, Florence, Turin, and Milan. The trip will include representatives from sectors such as higher education, transportation and logistics, aerospace and aviation, military and defense, healthcare, life sciences, and manufacturing.

Last year, Florida and Italy engaged in a substantial bilateral trade exchange, valued at $4.4 billion. This economic tie underscores Italy’s importance as Florida’s 14th largest international trade partner, with robust industries in military defense, aerospace, marine, life sciences, and health technology.

Alongside DeSantis, members of the delegation will include FloridaCommerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly and several prominent university presidents, indicating a strong focus on collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders.

Florida’s Economic Landscape

Florida is known for its favorable business environment, characterized by a zero personal income tax and low regulatory requirements, making it an attractive destination for businesses looking to operate in the United States. The state’s logistics capabilities are particularly noteworthy, with major deep-water seaports like Port Everglades playing a crucial role in statewide and international trade.

If Florida were considered a country, it would rank as the 15th largest economy globally, boasting a gross state product of $1.3 trillion. This economic strength is bolstered by the movement of goods through Florida’s extensive transportation network; over $190 billion worth of goods traverse its ports and airports annually, with businesses exporting around $68 billion to over 180 countries. Furthermore, approximately 20% of all U.S. exporters are based in Florida, highlighting the state’s significant role in global trade.

Port Everglades and Future Growth

Port Everglades stands out as one of the most active cargo ports in the United States, contributing nearly $30 billion to the local economy. To further enhance its logistics services, the port is undergoing expansion, with two new warehouses set to be constructed: a 199,624-square-foot facility by Seagis Property Group and a 171,983-square-foot development by Bridge Industrial.

The port also serves as the leading gateway for U.S. trade with Latin America, managing an impressive 13% of all U.S./Latin American trade. This strategic position complements Florida’s broader economic goals, embodied in the “Florida 2030 Blueprint.” This initiative aims to elevate Florida into the 10th largest economy globally by 2030, with ongoing studies to ensure competitiveness in trade, logistics, and manufacturing for the coming decade.

Conclusion

The upcoming trade mission to Italy presents a vital opportunity for Florida to reinforce and advance its economic relationships in Europe. With a focus on multiple sectors and a strong foundation in logistics and trade, Florida is strategically positioned to expand its economic horizons through initiatives like this trade delegation.