By Jacksonville Port Authority
Amidst rising tariffs and economic uncertainties, U.S. Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) have become strategic tools for savvy importers and exporters. For members of the Italy America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE), an FTZ offers compelling advantages worth exploring.
What Are Foreign Trade Zones?
FTZs are designated areas under U.S. Customs supervision which are considered outside U.S. Customs territory. Within these zones, companies can import, store and process goods while deferring or potentially eliminating customs duties if re-exporting. This arrangement provides significant flexibility for supply chain management and cash flow optimization.
Strategic FTZ Advantages
The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) operates Foreign Trade Zone No. 64, Florida’s largest, spanning over 5,000 square miles across 10 counties in Northeast Florida. This extensive coverage provides Italian importers with access to streamlined customs procedures and duty benefits.
“We’ve seen a growing number of companies exploring FTZ benefits as they reevaluate their supply chains,” said Justin Ryan, JAXPORT Manager, FTZ No. 64. “FTZs offer companies supply chain flexibility and a strategy to respond to the dynamic trade environment we see in 2025.”
FTZ participants can deliver their goods directly from the port to their FTZ-approved facilities, simplifying logistics.
Key Benefits for Italian Businesses
For Italian companies importing to the U.S. or American businesses exporting to Italy, FTZs offer multiple advantages:
- Deferred Customs Duties: Improve cash flow by delaying duty payments until goods enter the domestic market
- Duty Elimination: on goods destined for re-export
- Rapid Activation: New storage sites can be operational within 30 days, manufacturing sites within 120 days.
As global trade uncertainties persist, JAXPORT’s FTZ No. 64 – and other U.S. FTZs – represent a valuable resource for IACCSE members seeking to maintain competitive advantage while navigating the complexities of international commerce.