ICYMI: SelectFlorida Leads International Trade & Business Development Leadership Mission to Brazil, Strengthening Strategic Trade and Investment Ties

~ The mission advanced Florida's economic relationship with Brazil while generating a strong pipeline of new business development opportunities across logistics, aviation, advanced manufacturing, and emerging mobility sectors. ~

São Paulo, Brazil - Today, SelectFlorida announced the successful results of its International Trade and Business Development Mission to Brazil, held April 14-17, 2026 in São Paulo-including participation in Intermodal South America. The mission advanced Florida's economic relationship with Brazil-one of the state's largest global trading partners and the leading source of foreign direct investment from Latin America-while generating a strong pipeline of new business development opportunities across logistics, aviation, advanced manufacturing, and emerging mobility sectors.

Led by Matt Swanson, President & CEO of SelectFlorida, the delegation included more than 25 participants representing Florida's ports, airports, economic development organizations, trade organizations, and private-sector leaders in logistics and infrastructure. The mission also included the participation of Nick Primrose, SelectFlorida Board Member, Chair of the SelectFlorida Gateways Council and Chief of Regulatory Compliance for JAXPORT Nick Primrose, whose presence further reinforced the mission's leadership strength and focus on Florida's logistics and trade ecosystem.

Above: SelectFlorida facilitated the signing of a Sister Port Agreement between PortMiami and PortosRio to strengthen cargo movement, infrastructure cooperation and long-term economic engagement between Florida and Brazil during Intermodal South America

Participating in Intermodal South America-the largest logistics, intralogistics technology, cargo transport and foreign trade show in Latin America-President Swanson officially opened the Florida Pavillion. The Florida Pavillion and its participating companies showcased Florida's leadership in global trade and infrastructure. Additionally, while at the event, SelectFlorida facilitated the signing of a Sister Port Agreement between PortMiami and PortosRio to strengthen cargo movement, infrastructure cooperation and long-term economic engagement between Florida and Brazil.

"Florida's mission to Brazil reflects our strong and growing partnership with one of our most important global markets," said SelectFlorida President and CEO Matt Swanson. "Through this mission, we engaged directly with industry leaders and companies exploring U.S. expansion, while showcasing Florida's strengths-advancing the critical partnership between PortMiami and PortosRio through a Sister Port Agreement and strengthening trade connectivity and expand opportunities for Florida businesses. These targeted efforts support continued investment, market expansion and job creation, reinforcing Florida's role as a global gateway for commerce across key industries."

"Our trade mission to São Paulo was incredibly productive and eye-opening. I was energized by the genuine enthusiasm and hospitality from our Brazilian counterparts, and the momentum and connection underscored by our meetings with companies already creating jobs in Florida, along with those ready to invest in new opportunities," said SelectFlorida Board Member and Chief of Regulatory Compliance for JAXPORT Nick Primrose. "Our meetings highlighted the strong and growing bilateral partnerships we're building in aerospace, maritime, FinTech, construction materials, and tourism. This mission reinforced Florida's position as a premiere gateway for trade with Brazil and Latin America, and I'm confident it will lead to even more jobs, investments, Florida-made exports and shared prosperity for both our regions."

Throughout the mission, the delegation participated in site visits and business meetings with leading Brazil companies across key sectors and engaged with stakeholders including government officials, investors and industry partners to support continued collaboration and economic growth. Discussions emphasized Florida's competitive advantages-including its ports, airports, supply chain connectivity and strategic position as the global gateway to Latin America-job creation, market expansion and long-term economic growth across the state and region.

The mission was supported by key partners, including Enstructure (Gold Sponsor), JAXPORT (Silver Sponsor) and World Trade Center Miami (Event Sponsor), underscoring the strength of Florida's public-private collaboration in driving global trade and investment. The mission concluded with strengthened institutional relationships and a strong pipeline of prospective investment, trade and partnership opportunities that support Florida's long-term economic growth and reinforce Florida's role as a global gateway for commerce.