The State of Florida is the third leading user of petroleum products within the United States. Rapid population growth combined with the tourism and agricultural industries have driven the increasing demand for petroleum products. Florida’s steady growth in inbound waterborne fuel receipts has closely matched the population and economic growth of the region and state. The Port’s competitive advantages (location relative to the Central/West Florida Market, number of deep draft liquid bulk berths, deepwater, and the Central Florida Pipeline connection to Orlando) position the Port of Tampa to fulfill its role as the petroleum product gateway for West Central Florida.

Other liquid bulk cargoes such as liquid sulfur, sulfuric acid and anhydrous ammonia are primarily used in the production of phosphate fertilizers.

The Port’s dry bulk trade is dominated by four commodities: limestone, phosphate chemical fertilizers, cement and granite rock. Limestone, cement and granite rock are used in the commercial and residential construction industries whereas phosphate chemical bulks are used as fertilizers in domestic and international markets. Florida is a major source of phosphate rock which is used in the production of phosphate fertilizers. The Port’s proximity to the major phosphate mines in Florida has driven the Port’s role as the gateway for Florida phosphate rock and phosphate fertilizer exports as well as its significant inbound receipts of ammonia and sulfur, which are used to produce phosphate fertilizers. Crude fertilizers are the largest export commodity for the Port of Tampa.