May 9, 2014, 7:07am

A blossoming trade relationship between Brazil and Florida has a major impact on both places in terms of jobs and economic growth.

Brazil is Florida’s largest export trading partner with $20.5 billion in trade in 2013, according to the Florida Chamber of Commerce. The impact is felt beyond trade, though. 1.8 million Brazilians visited Florida in 2013 creating an impact of $2.3 billion on the state’s economy, the chamber said in a statement.

“Florida’s future prosperity and our growth as a global hub for international trade are inextricably linked,” said Alice Ancona, director of Global Outreach at the Florida Chamber’s South Florida office. “In order for Florida to continue on its mission to be a global hub for trade, the business community must unite and policymakers must remain committed to Florida’s trade future.”

The month of May was proclaimed by Gov. Rick Scott as World Trade Month. Recently, the Florida Chamber of Commerce released its Florida Trade and Logistics Study 2.0, which lays out a road map for the state’s businesses and policymakers to capitalize on Florida’s position as an export hub.