#United States #Washington, D.C. #NAFTZ #Foreign-Trade Zones #U.S. Trade Policy

First Meeting of the Congressional Foreign-Trade Zones Caucus

On September 23, 2026, Washington, D.C. hosted a landmark gathering marking the first official meeting of the Congressional U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Caucus. Organized by the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ), this event emphasizes bipartisan efforts to bolster U.S. manufacturing, support job growth, and enhance global competitiveness. Co-chaired by Representatives Aaron Bean from Florida and Marilyn Strickland from Washington, the caucus aims to provide a platform for dialogue on the FTZ program's critical role in the American economy.

The meeting convened congressional staff alongside key stakeholders from the FTZ community, including grantees and trade compliance representatives. NAFTZ officials presented the benefits and challenges associated with the FTZ program, shedding light on how these specialized economic zones allow businesses greater flexibility when managing imported and domestic goods. This flexibility not only streamlines the logistics of bringing products to market but also strengthens the U.S. manufacturing sector, which is crucial for job creation.

While addressing attendees, Rep. Bean highlighted the significance of the caucus's work: "A clear understanding of tools that empower American businesses is essential, especially as we face competition on a global scale. U.S. FTZs allow companies to manufacture, move, and sell products more efficiently, ensuring they remain competitive."

Echoing his sentiments, Rep. Strickland underscored the direct impact of FTZs on local communities and workers. "This first meeting was an opportunity to hear from FTZ users about their experiences and challenges in navigating trade policies. Being attuned to these issues is vital for ensuring American businesses can thrive both domestically and abroad."

The Foreign-Trade Zone program, established by Congress in 1934, plays a significant role in the U.S. economy, encouraging manufacturing and distribution activities within designated areas. As of 2024, there were over 1,300 active FTZ operations within the United States, responsible for supporting roughly 543,000 jobs and contributing approximately $133 billion to U.S. exports. This data underscores the program's importance to the nation's economic infrastructure.

"The creation of the caucus marks a pivotal development," stated Jeffrey J. Tafel, president of NAFTZ. He emphasized the program's contributions to economic infrastructure, noting the critical need for coordinated advocacy and policymaking at the federal level to ensure FTZ benefits are maximized for the communities they serve.

During the meeting, key discussions centered around various issues affecting U.S. FTZ operations, including:

• - The impact of current tariff measures under Sections 301 and 232.
• - The ongoing review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), focusing on policies that mitigate competitive disadvantages faced by U.S. FTZ companies.
• - The necessity for dedicated funding to bolster U.S. Customs and Border Protection capacities in light of growing FTZ usage.

Melissa Irmen, NAFTZ's director of advocacy, emphasized the importance of education and engagement for effective FTZ advocacy. The meeting provided congressional staff with a practical understanding of FTZ operations and their implications for local economies. As U.S. trade policy continues to evolve, it is imperative that lawmakers grasp how their decisions impact businesses operating within these zones.

For Patty Cannon, newly appointed chair of the NAFTZ Board of Directors, the caucus serves as a crucial avenue for elevating the local narratives associated with the FTZ program. "U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones support jobs, attract investments, and drive economic activity in communities across America. Having Congress involved ensures that real-world stories inform policy decisions."

Looking ahead, the caucus plans to convene regularly, offering continuous opportunities for members of Congress to engage with stakeholders and receive timely updates on emerging issues affecting U.S. manufacturing and trade. NAFTZ is committed to collaborating with the caucus to educate more congressional offices about the significance of FTZs within their districts.

In conclusion, the first meeting of the Congressional Foreign-Trade Zones Caucus marks a substantial step forward in strengthening U.S. trade policy and fostering bipartisan collaboration aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of American businesses. For more insights into the work of NAFTZ and its role in advancing the FTZ program, you can visit www.naftz.org.