Phosphate Drives Port Of Tampa Economic Impact
June 19, 2013 Phosphate, a Port of Tampa mainstay export for the past century, accounts for more than two-thirds of the Port’s $15.1 billion annual economic activity. In addition, the phosphate industry supports more than half of the Port’s 80,000 direct, indirect and related jobs, according to a new study released yesterday by the Tampa Port Authority.
“The importance of phosphate nutrients on a global scale has put the Port of Tampa on the map in the international trading arena,” said Paul Anderson, CEO and Port Director of the Tampa Port Authority. “As we continue our path forward to diversify, phosphate will continue to play a vital role in driving the backbone of success for the Port of Tampa as well as the Tampa Bay economy.”
The Mosaic Co., the world’s leading producer of concentrated phosphate crop nutrients, and CF Industries, Inc., another phosphate producer with operations in the area, create more than half of the 10,573 direct jobs at the Port from the movement of phosphate rock and raw materials as well as crop nutrition and animal feed supplies and products. Other phosphate-related companies also support this economic activity.
“Phosphate continues to be a significant contributor to jobs and the Tampa Bay economy, as well as the Port of Tampa,” said Bo Davis, senior vice president of Phosphate Operations at Mosaic, which employs more than 3,200 Central Florida residents. “Our long-standing relationship with the Port allows us to effectively deliver on our mission to help the world grow the food it needs.”
The Port of Tampa connects Central Florida, the state’s epicenter for phosphate mining and production, to consumers both domestically and internationally. The regional phosphate fertilizer production industry accounts for nearly 12 million tons, or roughly 35 percent, of cargo through the port of Tampa.
For the full economic impact study from the Tampa Port Authority, click here.
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