FTZ’ine July 2025
June 25, 2025FTZ’ine September 2025
September 3, 2025Deals Start Rolling In
Completion of trade deal negotiating took longer than promised, but last month a number of countries agreed to terms that raised U.S. import tariffs and reduced barriers faced by U.S. exporters. Despite the highest U.S. tariff rates in almost 100 years, Wall Street has celebrated the clarity created by the deals with new stock market highs as we begin August.
Not everyone joined the party. High reciprocal tariff rates are scheduled to implement tomorrow on the large number of countries that failed to complete a deal by this week’s deadline. The uncertainty of the impact those new rates will have froze the Federal Reserve once again and interest rates were again unchanged this month.
As new countries and commodities face tariff announcements, FTZ applications have skyrocketed. This has presented both an opportunity and a challenge for Grantees in capturing prospects and shepherding them through an elongated application process.
Opening arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals are today in the case challenging President Trump’s use of IEEPA to impose tariffs. We are still at least months away from a decision. Definitely not in time to help with back-to-school sales.
Top Story: Trade Deals Bring Tariffs, And Certainty To FTZs
This month the United States finalized a series of high-stakes trade agreements with key global partners, including the European Union, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. These deals were forged under the looming threat of drastic reciprocal tariffs, but still impose significant import tariffs, and administration challenges for foreign-trade zones across the country.
The most prominent agreements were struck with Japan and the European Union. The countries accepted a 15% baseline tariff on most imports, including cars and pharmaceuticals. While this rate is lower than initially threatened, it still triples the pre-2025 average.
These deals change the rates applied to import merchandise, as well as how those rates are applied. The 15% rate includes the current Column 1 or MFN (Most Favored Nation) rate. So for most items, the import tariff is based on country of origin, and not the type of commodity. This adds additional pressure on importers to know the country of origin of their commodities as it becomes the primary driver of duties owed to the U.S. government.
Because the new E.U. and Japan rates apply to automobiles, they created an instant disparity with the 25% tariff on passenger vehicle imports from Canada and Mexico. Negotiations with those countries have languished.
The Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia also reached agreements with the U.S., each accepting tariffs ranging from 15% to 19%. The United Kingdom, having signed its deal earlier in May, remains subject to a 10% reciprocal tariff on most goods, with higher rates for vehicle imports beyond quota limits.
It's The End Of de minimus As We Know It
And foreign-trade zones are feeling fine.
Yesterday, President Trump exercised authority granted to him under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA @ 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and signed an Executive Order suspending duty-free de minimis treatment for all countries. This move will end a particular sore point for foreign-trade zones which were never permitted to process such shipments. The de minimis exemption had allowed imports under $800 to enter the U.S. without paying duties, as long as the shipment originated outside the United States.
The Executive Order, effective August 29th, eliminates this exemption globally, citing national security concerns, drug trafficking, and unfair trade practices.
The order implements a six-month phase-in period before transitioning to ad valorem tariffs and merchandise processing fees for such shipments.
Industries where de minimus entries became prevalent, including apparel, electronics, and consumer goods sectors will now find U.S. distribution, including foreign-trade zones, more advantageous in their international supply chains.
Unless the customer is willing to wait. The President allowed de minimus entry to continue through the U.S. Postal Service until USPS is able to collect and remit Customs duties.
Questions about how the elimination of de minimus will affect your FTZ? Contact us at info@iscm.co.
Country-Specific IEEPA Tariffs Set To Rise
India didn’t sign a deal. Neither did Mexico, Canada, or Russia, These major U.S. trading partners will face higher tariffs than the 10% – 15% that their neighbors will be paying, starting tomorrow.
The current ‘truce’ on tariffs between the United States and China is set to expire on August 12th. No deal in sight there either. A potential extension of a tariff pause between the United States and China will not be agreed to until President Trump signs off on the plan, U.S. negotiators said earlier this week.
The President “has final say on all the trade deals” and the pending tariff truce, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC’s Eamon Javers.
The remarks came after top trade officials for the two countries concluded talks this week in Stockholm, Sweden, their third round of high-level discussions since May.
“We’re going to head back to Washington, D.C. We’re going to talk to the President about whether that’s something that he wants so do,” U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told reporters following the talks.
On Friday, the United States will impose a 27% percent tariff on all goods it imports from India. Canada and Bangladesh will be 35%. Mexico and Colombia will be 25%.
The country-based reciprocal tariffs introduce new risks around transshipment. Goods routed through third countries are still subject to the rate applicable to the country of origin. This places pressure on FTZs to verify origin documentation, even though it may not have had an impact on duty rate in the past.
Are Copper Tariffs Grantee Gold?
Grantees may want to make room for more messages in their inbox.
In a new Proclamation announced yesterday, President Trump imposed new tariffs on copper imports. The action follows a Section 232 investigation by the Secretary of Commerce, which concluded that excessive reliance on foreign copper—especially semi-finished and derivative products—threatens the U.S. defense industrial base and critical infrastructure.
While the Secretary recommended a 30% tariff, the Proclamation enacts a 50% tariff on targeted copper imports starting tomorrow, with additional tariffs and domestic sales requirements phased in at later dates.
No drawback is available for these tariffs. Which means that manufacturers and distributors that export copper will want to consider the FTZ program. These new tariffs thus create a marketing opportunity for Grantees that previously might not have had a reason to be interested in the program.
The range of copper items affected by the tariffs is smaller than expected, but the 50% rate will be daunting for many importers. The biggest impact may be to Canada, a major exporter of the copper forms targeted by the list of affected products.
The Proclamation specifically targets semi-finished copper products and intensive copper derivatives, which include items like copper tubing, wire, and components used in electronics and defense systems. These goods, even when imported into FTZs, will incur the full 50% tariff unless explicitly exempted.
The privileged foreign status requirement means duties are calculated based on the product’s condition at entry, not its final form, nullifying one of the FTZ program’s historical advantages.
Industries most affected include automotive, aerospace, electronics, and clean energy.
The order also introduces a phased tariff on refined copper: 15% starting in 2027 and 30% in 2028. Government estimates say that the U.S. is now only capable of producing half of the copper consumed in the country. Additionally, it mandates a 25% domestic sales requirement for copper inputs and high-quality scrap, along with export controls. These provisions will complicate FTZ operations involved in recycling or processing scrap copper for re-export or domestic use.
To enforce the new rules, the Secretary of Commerce will establish a process within 90 days to identify additional copper derivatives subject to tariffs. FTZs must prepare for evolving compliance requirements and potential expansion of the copper tariff scope.
Is It A Record?
In 2022, the Foreign-Trade Zones Board reported completion of 222 staff cases.
In 2025, they reported 200 cases in just the first six months of the year (implies 400 cases/year), with 57 in the month of June alone (implies 684 cases/year). Now that higher tariff rates are locked in with agreements, interest and need for the foreign-trade zones program is likely to continue its blistering growth.
That explosion in interest has led to extended lead times for applications at the Foreign-Trade Zones Board. The FTZ Board is also dealing with a loss of staff, which makes dealing with the new volume worse.
U.S. Customs is feeling the pinch as well. CBP in Savannah may restart considering new FTZ applications in the fall. Officers in LA report it is 6-8 months before they will review new applications. Grantees are left in the dark in many ports where the line has simply gone dead on application status and concurrence letters.
The year is clearly shaping up to be a record for the number of applications, but at the same time FTZ Grantees are feeling the strain and find themselves adapting to an extended, less transparent startup process.
FTZ Staff Activity
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Termination (S-158-2025) in FTZ 72Y on behalf of True Fabrications, Inc. dba True Brands, Greenfield, IN on June 9, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-159-2025) in FTZ 20 on behalf of Yacht Sales Alliance, LLC, Hayes, VA on June 9, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-160-2025) in FTZ 41U on behalf of Husco Automotive Holdings, LLC, Waukesha, WI on June 9, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-161-2025) in FTZ 20J on behalf of Coastal Logistics, Inc., Suffolk, VA on June 10, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-162-2025) in FTZ 176 on behalf of Greater Rockford Airport Authority, Rockford, IL on June 10, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-163-2025) in FTZ 104T on behalf of White Horse Logistics USA, LLC on June 10, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-164-2025) in FTZ 38D on behalf of Yanfeng US Automotive Interiors 1, LLC, Fountain Inn, SC on June 11, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-165-2025) in FTZ 26 on behalf of PBD Worldwide, Duluth, GA on June 11, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-166-2025) in FTZ 41V on behalf of Wacker Neuson America Corporation, Menomonee Falls/Germantown, WI on June 12, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-167-2025) in FTZ 279 on behalf of Gulf Island, LLC, Houma, LA on June 13 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-168-2025) in FTZ 238 on behalf of Unique Industries, Inc., Blairs, VA on June 13, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Traditional Site Framework Subzone Application (S-169-2025) subject to the existing activation limit of FTZ 24 on behalf of Michaels Stores Procurement Company, Hazleton, PA
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-170-2025) in FTZ 33G on behalf of Steelite International USA, Inc. on June 16, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-171-2025) in FTZ 138M on behalf of Pinnacle Warehousing Solutions LLC, Cambridge, OH on June 16, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Traditional Site Framework Subzone Application (S-172-2025) subject to the existing activation limit of FTZ 155 on behalf of A&K Railroad Materials, Inc., Eagle Lake, TX
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-173-2025) in FTZ 43I on behalf of Dorel Home Furnishings, Dowagiac, MI on June 16, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-174-2025) in FTZ 241 on behalf of Palladio Beauty Group, LLC, Hollywood, FL on June 16, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-175-2025) in FTZ 153N on behalf of Brokerage and Logistics Solutions, Inc., San Diego, CA on June 16, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-176-2025) in FTZ 59A on behalf of Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., USA, Lincoln, NE on June 17, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-177-2025) in FTZ 241 on behalf of S.C.G. & Associates, Inc., Fort Lauderdale, FL on June 18, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-178-2025) in FTZ 83F on behalf of First Solar, Inc., Trinity, AL on June 18, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-179-2025) in FTZ 202 on behalf of Lionext, Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA on June 18, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Traditional Site Framework Subzone Application (S-180-2025) subject to the existing activation limit of FTZ 24 on behalf of PTubes, Inc. dba Feinrohren PT, Waymart, PA
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-181-2025) in FTZ 189H on behalf of Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing, Caledonia/Rapid Springs, MI on June 23, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-182-2025) in FTZ 189I on behalf of Plascore, Inc., Zeeland, MI on June 4, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-183-2025) in FTZ 38 on behalf of Berrang, Inc., Greer, SC on June 24, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-184-2025) in FTZ 104 on behalf of Crossgate Logistics, Port Wentworth, GA on June 24, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-185-2025) in FTZ 21D on behalf of Coastal Logistics, Inc., Ladson, SC on June 25, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-186-2025) in FTZ 47 on behalf of United Radio, Inc. dba BlueStar, Hebron, KY on June 25, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-187-2025) in FTZ 32 on behalf of Abboud Trading Corp., Miami, FL on June 26, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-188-2025) in FTZ 241 on behalf of FLYHOPCO LLC dba Bradford Marine, Davie, FL on June 26, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-189-2025) in FTZ 70AC on behalf of FKA Distributing Co., LLC, Commerce Twp., MI on June 26, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-190-2025) in FTZ 52E on behalf of RE Hansen Industries Inc. dba Islandaire on June 26, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-191-2025) in FTZ 32 on behalf of Central Turbos Corp., Miami, FL on June 26, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-192-2025) in FTZ 22 on behalf of Learjet Inc., Des Plaines, IL on June 26, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-193-2025) in FTZ 89 on behalf of Hard Eight Nutrition, Las Vegas, NV on June 26, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-194-2025) in FTZ 40O on behalf of Enerco Group, Inc., Bedford Heights/Warrensville Hts, OH on June 26, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-195-2025) in FTZ 81 on behalf of LDI Solutions, LLC, Rochester, NH on June 27, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-196-2025) in FTZ 32 on behalf of Nippon Suspension Parts, Inc., Doral, FL on June 27, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-197-2025) in FTZ 32 on behalf of World International Trading, LLC, Doral, FL on June 27, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-198-2025) in FTZ 32 on behalf of Porter Industries Inc., Miami, FL on June 27, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-199-2025) in FTZ 32 on behalf of All Seasons Imports Inc., Hialeah Gardens, FL on June 27, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-200-2025) in FTZ 32 on behalf of Herko International, Inc., Miami, FL on June 27, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-201-2025) in FTZ 84 on behalf of McLane Global Logistics, LLC, Houston, TX on July 1, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-202-2025) in FTZ 146E on behalf of Fair-Rite Products Corporation, Flat Rock, IL on July 1, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Traditional Site Framework Subzone Application (S-173-2025) subject to the existing activation limit of FTZ 173 on behalf of PINNACLE MOD, LLC
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-204-2025) in FTZ 52F on behalf of D’Addario & Company, Inc., Suffolk County, NY on July 2, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-205-2025) in FTZ 36E on behalf of American Cruise-Aid Logistics, Inc., Kemah, TX on July 7, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-206-2025) in FTZ 29 on behalf of Compass Manufacturing International, LLC, Louisville, KY on July 7, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-207-2025) in FTZ 46 on behalf of Advanced Ground Systems Engineering, LLC, Cincinnati, OH on July 8, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-208-2025) in FTZ 94 on behalf of SBL USA, Inc., Laredo, TX on July 9, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-209-2025) in FTZ 94 on behalf of CAMLI Forwarding, Inc., Laredo, TX on July 9, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-210-2025) in FTZ 196 on behalf of Endries International Inc., Fort Worth, TX on July 9, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-211-2025) in FTZ 100 on behalf of Crocs, Inc., Dayton, OH on July 9, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-212-2025) in FTZ 20 on behalf of Suffolk Cold Storage, Suffok, VA on July 9, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Traditional Site Framework Subzone Application (S-213-2025) subject to the existing activation limit of FTZ 46 on behalf of General Electric Company, Peebles, OH
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-214-2025) in FTZ 124U on behalf of Frank’s International, LLC, New Iberia/Lafayette, LA on July 11, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Traditional Site Framework Subzone Application (S-215-2025) subject to the existing activation limit of FTZ 163 on behalf of Centro Automotriz Santa Rosa, Inc., San Juan, PR
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-216-2025) in FTZ 74 on behalf of C. Steinweg (Baltimore) Inc., Sparrows Point, MD on July 11, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-217-2025) in FTZ 26 on behalf of Brugg Lifting North America, LLC, Rome, GA on July 11, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-218-2025) in FTZ 70 on behalf of W.F. Whelan Company, Livonia, MI on July 14, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-219-2025) in FTZ 94 on behalf of Laredo Pro Source, Inc., Laredo, TX on July 14, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-220-2025) in FTZ 114 on behalf of Rainbow Champaign LLC, Bloomington, IL on July 14, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-221-2025) in FTZ 144 on behalf of Hanses & Adkins Auto Transport Inc., Brunswick, GA on July 14, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-222-2025) in FTZ 241 on behalf of BlueStar Latin America, Inc., Miramar, FL on July 15, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-223-2025) in FTZ 94 on behalf of Uni-Trade Brokers L.C., Laredo, TX on July 15, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-224-2025) in FTZ 94 on behalf of Source Holding Delaware, LLC, Laredo, TX on July 15, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-225-2025) in FTZ 202 on behalf of Bee Imagine, LLC, Gardena, CA on July 15, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-226-2025) in FTZ 32 on behalf of US Technology South America, Doral, FL on July 16, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-227-2025) in FTZ 32 on behalf of Diesel Components (USA), Doral, FL on July 16, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-228-2025) in FTZ 147 on behalf of Schneider Electric IT Corporation, Middletown, PA on July 16, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-229-2025) in FTZ 52 on behalf of Qosina Corp, Ronkonkoma, NY on July 17, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-230-2025) in FTZ 17G on behalf of Garmin International, Inc., Kansas, KS on July 17, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-231-2025) in FTZ 21 on behalf of Quoizel, LLC, Goose Creek, SC on July 17, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-232-2025) in FTZ 15L on behalf of M&M Quality Solutions, Inc., Kansas City, MO on July 17, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-233-2025) in FTZ 214 on behalf of Vanguard Electric, LLC, Wallace, NC on July 18, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-234-2025) in FTZ 71C on behalf of Fairview Architectural, LLC, Bloomfield, CT on July 18, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Traditional Site Framework Subzone Application (S-235-2025) subject to the existing activation limit of FTZ 222 on behalf of Ryder Integrated Logistics, Inc., Hope Hull, AL
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-236-2025) in FTZ 22AI on behalf of Michaels Stores Procurement Company, Inc., New Lenox, IL on July 22, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Termination (S-237-2025) in FTZ 177A on behalf of AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP, Mt. Vernon, IN
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-238-2025) in FTZ 46 on behalf of StandardAero Component Services, Inc., Cincinnati, OH on July 22, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-239-2025) in FTZ 94 on behalf of Integralis Solutions, LLC, Laredo, TX on July 23, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-240-2025) in FTZ 17H on behalf of Nomida, LLC, Olathe, KS on July 23, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-241-2025) in FTZ 15J on behalf of MRI Global, Kansas City, MO on July 23, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-242-2025) in FTZ 281 on behalf of JM Attachments, LLC, Doral, FL on July 24, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-243-2025) in FTZ 30 on behalf of Boart Longyear Company, West Valley City, UT on July 24, 2025
- FTZ Board Staff processed a processed a Minor Boundary Modification (S-244-2025) in FTZ 50 on behalf of WTI Distribution, Inc., Ontario/Fontana, CA on July 24, 2025
Foreign-Trade Zone Board Activity
-
- The Premcor Refining Group, Inc. submitted a notification of proposed production activity for sustainable aviation fuel within Foreign-Trade Zone 116C in Port Arthur, Texas. MORE
- PINNACLEMOD LLC submitted an application to operate its Aberdeen, Washington facility as a subzone of Foreign-Trade Zone 173. MORE
- GE Gas Turbines (Greenville) LLC submitted a notification of proposed production activity for gas turbines within Foreign-Trade Zone 38 in Greenville, South Carolina. MORE
- Avant Technology, Inc. submitted a notification of proposed production activity for solid-state drives and memory modules within Foreign-Trade Zone 12 in Pharr, Texas. MORE
- General Electric Company submitted an application to operate its Peebles, Ohio facility as a subzone of Foreign-Trade Zone 46. MORE
- Centro Automotriz Santa Rosa, Inc. submitted an application to operate its San Juan, Puerto Rico facility as a subzone of Foreign-Trade Zone 163. MORE
- Intel Foundry Corporation submitted a notification of proposed production activity for semiconductor products within Foreign-Trade Zone 45 in Aloha and Hillsboro, Oregon. MORE
- Ryder Integrated Logistics, Inc. submitted an application to operate its Hope Hull, Alabama facility as a subzone of Foreign-Trade Zone 222. MORE
- Garmin International, Inc. submitted a notification of proposed production activity for avionics and auto products; marine and personal GPS products within Foreign-Trade Zone 17G in Olathe, Kansas. MORE
Careful What You Wish For:
You can add possible U.S. involvement in the war in the Middle East to the list of factors that drove economic uncertainty in June. With more reciprocal tariffs scheduled to implement soon, even the Federal Reserve said that they could not accurately predict the economic outcome of all the factors in play. Thus the central bank decided to leave U.S. interest rates unchanged. Much to the chagrin of a certain U.S. President.
With the July 9th deadline for imposition of additional reciprocal tariff rates coming up fast, country-by-country negotiations are not going well. Foreign-trade zones will need to brace for impact.
FTZs and other importers are struggling to manage their bond amounts for CBP. In addition to the looming reciprocal tariff increases, the reduction in China tariffs (to 55%!) will eventually expire, which is yet another reason U.S. Customs bond requirements could skyrocket.
Federal Courts have temporarily stayed the ruling of the U.S. Court of International Trade that would eliminate IEEPA tariffs and the foreign-trade zone requirement that all merchandise be admitted in PF status. However, the Administration seems to be preparing an alternate way to collect import tariffs that the trade community, including foreign-trade zones, may find even more punishing.