National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones

06/18/2026

Today marks the 92nd anniversary of the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program.

Since the Foreign-Trade Zones Act was signed into law on June 18, 1934, the program has continued to evolve alongside the U.S. economy—supporting investment, manufacturing, distribution, economic development, and global competitiveness.

NAFTZ is proud to support the U.S. FTZ community and recognize the grantees, operators, users, service providers, public partners, and professionals who help make the program work every day.

Here's to 92 years of progress, and to the continued evolution of the U.S. FTZ program.

06/17/2026

Tomorrow marks the 92nd anniversary of the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program.

Signed into law on June 18, 1934, the Foreign-Trade Zones Act established a program that has supported U.S. communities, businesses, and economic development. Take a look at a few milestones that helped shape the program's history and growth through 2024.

Or visit our website for more US FTZ milestones: https://www.naftz.org/milestones/

06/16/2026

NAFTZ applauds the introduction of Senate companion legislation by Sen. Tim Scott aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers and exporters operating in Foreign-Trade Zones.

The proposed legislation would help address a longstanding imbalance under the USMCA by providing duty-relief treatment for certain goods produced or altered in U.S. FTZs and exported to Canada and Mexico. The measure would help restore parity for American manufacturers competing across North America, support domestic investment, and strengthen cross-border supply chains.

We look forward to working with Congress and key stakeholders to advance this important legislation and support policies that enhance U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.

Click to read our press release: https://members.naftz.org/news/Details/naftz-supports-senate-bill-meant-to-enhance-u-s-manufacturing-competitiveness-across-north-america-338492

06/16/2026

In a reporting, Supply & Demand Chain Executive highlighted the formation of a new congressional U.S. FTZ Caucus!

S&DCE does a nice job outlining the purpose of this bipartisan group, and the information-sharing that will ensue – broadening visibility around the U.S. FTZ Program.

At , we’re proud to stand behind this group – co-sponsored by Reps. Aaron Bean and Marilyn Strickland – and are happy to report that we played a strong role in its creation.

We look forward to seeing JUST how productive the will be! Read the full article, here: https://www.sdcexec.com/transportation/trucking/news/22967467/foreign-trade-zone-caucus-to-promote-benefits-of-us-foreign-trade-zones.

06/10/2026

NAFTZ Board Director Jessica M. recently spoke with Marketplace Business News about how the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program continues to support U.S. businesses in today's trade environment.

As AFL's Import Manager, Jessica highlighted one of the program's longstanding benefits: duty deferral. "When businesses import goods into a Foreign-Trade Zone, they don't have to pay duties or tariffs immediately. You don’t have to pay them until you actually manufacture the goods and ship them out of your zone."

That flexibility allows companies to better manage inventory and operational planning while navigating an evolving trade landscape.

Read the full Marketplace article to learn more about the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program: https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/06/09/how-foreign-trade-zones-have-changed-under-trump

05/27/2026

A new company has joined the NAFTZ FTZ Marketplace!

The FTZ Marketplace continues to serve as a valuable resource connecting the U.S. FTZ community with service providers and industry partners supporting U.S. FTZ operations, compliance, logistics, technology, consulting, and more.

Explore the latest addition and browse the Marketplace here: https://members.naftz.org/serviceproviderspublic

05/25/2026

From all of us at NAFTZ, wishing all a meaningful and safe Memorial Day as we reflect on the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our nation.

05/22/2026

The May 2026 NAFTZ Zones Report is now available, featuring important updates and insights.

This month’s issue highlights:

• The operational challenges U.S. FTZs face ahead of upcoming CPSC eFiling requirements
• A new framework for communicating the value of the U.S. FTZ program with greater clarity and consistency
• NAFTZ advocacy efforts urging USTR to protect U.S. FTZ manufacturers in Section 301 remedy design
• The launch of the bipartisan Congressional U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Caucus focused on strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and resilient supply chains

And more!

Members, check your inbox for the PDF copy. Non-members, visit our website for a sneak peak: https://members.naftz.org/news

05/22/2026

Congressman Aaron Bean recently published a release highlighting the launch of the bipartisan U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone Caucus and the importance of the U.S. FTZ program to American competitiveness.

In the release, Congressman Bean noted that U.S. FTZs help American companies “make, move, and sell their products more efficiently,” while supporting “stronger manufacturing, better-paying jobs, and more competitive businesses” across the nation.

We appreciate the growing attention being brought to the value of the U.S. FTZ program and look forward to continued dialogue around policies that support American workers, manufacturing, and supply chain resilience.

Read the full release:

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) and U.S. Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) launched the Congressional U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Caucus to promote and educate members and the public about the use and benefits of U.S. foreign trade zones. Specifically, the bipartisan...

05/21/2026

Happy to share that fDi Intelligence, a sister publication of the , has published a detailed article on !

In the piece, fDi explores the activity spike in U.S. FTZ applications in the wake of Liberation Day tariffs – first announced by the administration in 2025. It also outlines the rigorous vetting and compliance standards that the Program entails.

The article also traces NAFTZ’s survey findings from earlier this year pointing to continued interest in the program and encouraging zone-activity levels – with additional insight from our President, Jeffrey J. Tafel, CAE.

Give it a read, here: https://www.fdiintelligence.com/content/42f4e8c7-0e23-408e-8ac3-530f7a32887f