Carlos Curbelo: "To Be Against Trade In South Florida Is To Be Against Jobs in South Florida"

Press Release

In today's debate, Joe Garcia and Carlos Curbelo debated their positions on trade deals and the impact they have on the South Florida economy, but the facts are free and fair trade support jobs, families and small businesses across the district.

"So many South Florida families depend on these jobs, and I cannot under any circumstances turn my back on these policies because I know fundamentally that they've made our community more prosperous," Curbelo said. "South Florida is a major trade hub, people from all over the world come here, they bring their products, and we're more prosperous for it… We need good trade deals, but we certainly can't turn our back on trade."

Garcia disagreed and said he does not believe in free trade, and his position will hurt South Florida families whose livelihoods are supported by trade.

Trade in Florida:

International trade, including exports and imports, supports 2,502,500 Florida jobs -- nearly 1 in 4.

Customers in 227 countries and territories buy Florida-made goods and services, including billions of dollars in annual exports to top markets like Brazil, Canada and Colombia.

Imports lower prices and increase choices for Florida companies and families.

Lower raw material and input costs help Florida companies stay competitive in global markets, while families can stretch paychecks further as trade agreements reduce the cost of products by eliminating costly barriers to trade.

Free trade agreements (FTAs) have helped fuel rapid export growth from Florida to partner countries. In 2014, $21.2 billion of Florida's goods exports, or 37 percent, went to FTA partners. This represents an 86 percent increase since 2004.

Foreign-owned companies invest and build facilities and employ 260,800 workers in Florida.

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