Among other key findings in the study:

• At least 105,459 local jobs are supported by international trade;
• Each billion dollars in international trade supports 2061 local jobs;
• International trade supports higher than average paying jobs - $54,147 per year, which is 31 per cent higher than average earnings for Miami-Dade workers;
• $2.1 billion a year flows to residents not directly involved in international trade occupations;
• Total state and local taxes generated by international trade represent about 10.7 per cent of the total;
• Total value of the contribution of international trade to Miami-Dade's economy has increased 20.7 per cent since 2003.

The study also indicated that the outlook for international trade during 2007-2017 is positive. Further globalization of production and consumption will contribute to a rising share of international trade in the world economy and similarly in Miami-Dade. The County will continue to play a leading role in the triangulation of trade between Latin America and the Caribbean and the rest of the world. Strong economic growth in Asia, particularly China and India, will boost Asia - Latin American trade and thus the movement of goods through Miami-Dade. The degree to which the County can optimize its opportunities to expand trade will depend on the outcome of key strategic factors such as market diversification; implementation of regional free trade agreements; competition from other trading hubs; and Miami-Dade's operational efficiencies in international trade. The study points out that the continued success will depend on how well Miami-Dade can compete against rival trading hubs and to what extent is can enhance the efficiency of its infrastructure in order to expand its current market share.

A full copy of the report is available online at www.miamidade.gov/itc. For a pdf version or more information on the Jay Malina International Trade Consortium, please call Roberto Fabricio at (305) 375-4695 or email him at robfab@miamidade.gov.