Florida Chamber of Commerce Cautions That Trade Tariffs Could Put Florida’s Economy At Risk

“Economic momentum gained from Florida’s long-term strategic focus on growth and diversification, and the recent tax reforms would be at risk – hurting jobs and consumers.”

– Alice Ancona, Florida Chamber Director of International Strategy and Policy

The increasing prospect of a trade war could put Florida’s economy at risk and negatively impact consumers, families and jobs, the Florida Chamber of Commerce said today.

The Florida Chamber has long-been a leader in promoting fair and equitable market access for Florida-origin exports abroad, and supporting the elimination of barriers that are harmful to Florida’s competitiveness as a global hub for trade.

“A solutions-based approach, addressing unfair trade practices by bad actors in a targeted and focused manner will help level the playing field for U.S. producers, consumers and businesses,” said ALICE ANCONA, Florida Chamber Director of International Strategy and Policy.

“Extending the tariffs to our allies and trade and investment partners could provoke broad-range retaliation. Any economic momentum gained from Florida’s long-term strategic focus on growth and diversification, and the recent tax reforms would be at risk—hurting jobs and consumers,” ANCONA added.

The Florida Chamber has a long-history of supporting free trade and expanding international trade and investment opportunities for Florida job creators and the communities they support. This support of international trade and investment includes the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Trade and Logistics study which continues to serve as a roadmap for economic growth through global competitiveness.

Why It Matters:

• If Florida were a country, it would be the 17th largest in the world by gross domestic product.
• Florida will become a $1 trillion economy this year, according to Florida Chamber Chief Economist Dr. Jerry Parrish.
• Florida is the third most populous state in the nation with more than 21 million residents, and
• By 2030, five million more residents will call Florida home and two million more jobs will be needed.

“To prepare for this continued growth and ensure Florida remains successful, we must continue to seek new opportunities.  International trade and investments have been important factors in Florida’s success – our current and future economy are tied to our ability to be a successful hub for international trade and investment,” ANCONA said.

A delegation of Florida Chamber members recently returned from Washington, D.C., where they urged Florida’s congressional delegation to take a “do no harm” approach to trade. Later this year, the Florida Chamber will lead a delegation of business leaders on an economic trade mission to Ireland and the United Kingdom – two of the most important allies and partners for the U.S.

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The Florida Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations, aggressively representing small and large businesses from every industry and every region. The Florida Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to secure Florida’s future. The Florida Chamber works closely with its Political Operations and the Florida Chamber Foundation. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com for more information.