Florida exports grow $2B

Florida's merchandise exports grew about 6.5% in the first half of 2012 over the first half of 2011, from $31.1 billion to $33.1 billion, according to an International Trade Administration report.

The ITA is a division of the U.S Department of Commerce. “The growth in Florida export numbers help demonstrate that there's every incentive for U.S. companies to be pursuing export opportunities,” South Florida-U.S. Commercial Service Director Eduardo Torres says in a release. “Foreign buyers have a high appreciation for U.S. brand name products and services.”

Some of the most prevalent export items shipped out of Florida, according to the ITA, are computers and electronics, transportation gear and chemicals. Destinations for Sunshine State products include Panama, Peru, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. “Exports are an increasingly important part of Florida's economic recovery as local businesses both big and small start to look beyond our borders to increase their customer base,” Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez says in the release.