If you’ve been paying even a little attention to the headlines, you know trade’s been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. Tariffs go up, rules shift, and just when you think you’ve got a handle on it—something changes. But a not-so-secret tool can help you stay one step ahead: Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs).
At Coppersmith Global Logistics, we’ve been helping clients use FTZs as more than just a workaround. We treat them like a strategic advantage—one that helps keep your goods moving and your bottom line steady.
What’s an FTZ?
Think of an FTZ like a customs “time out” zone. Goods can be brought into an FTZ without immediately triggering duties or tariffs. They can be stored, assembled, repackaged—or even manufactured—and those costs only apply when the goods leave the zone and enter U.S. commerce. If they’re exported instead? In many cases, no duty at all.
Why It Matters Right Now
When trade becomes volatile, FTZs offer options. They let you pause, assess, and plan without your cash flow taking a hit from duties the second cargo hits the dock. They can also reduce costs on finished products if the tariff on the final good is lower than the individual components. Using an FTZ offers flexibility that makes sense when everything else feels uncertain.
“In an unpredictable trade climate, the smartest move isn’t reacting faster—it’s building flexibility into your supply chain from the start. FTZs give you that breathing room to make better decisions, not just faster ones.”
Our Take
FTZs aren’t magic, but they come close when set up and used correctly. We’ve helped clients navigate the ins and outs of FTZ compliance, application, and operations, and we can tell you this: they work best when they’re built into your logistics plan, not bolted on in a panic.
If you’re looking for a better way to handle rising tariffs, keep cash flow moving, and gain some breathing room in your supply chain, FTZs are worth a serious look. Talk to Coppersmith about how to make one work for you.
