Foreign-Trade Zones in the United States

To help encourage domestic warehousing, manufacturing and processing activity.

States and local communities use foreign-trade zones as part of their overall economic growth efforts to improve their international business service structure.

In this way, FTZs contribute to the enhancement
of their investment climate for commerce and industry.
Grants for this Program

Agency - Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce fosters and promotes the nation's economic development and technological advancement through vigilance in international trade policy, domestic business policy and growth, and promoting economic progress at all levels.

Office - Commerce District Offices.
Website Address

http://www.trade.gov/




Program Accomplishments

The Board processes approximately 60 to 80 applications each year covering new general-purpose zones, sub zones, and zone expansions.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Zone procedures help firms reduce customs costs and help improve a domestic operation's international competitiveness.

The procedures are available at facilities designated as foreign trade zones and sub zones under the sponsorship of local public and quasi-public corporations.