FTZs, The Key to Exports
Not many people in the international trade community, or in the Administration for that matter, realize that Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) are an impressive engine for US exports (shipments to foreign countries). In fact, Foreign-Trade Zone Board (FTZB) data show that exports from FTZs doubled in the five year from 2004 to 2008. Exports from facilities operating under FTZ procedures amounted to $19 billion in 2004 and FTZ exports in 2008 were more than $40 billion.
While the Spring Seminar will include a Fundamentals of FTZs track, the bulk of the program is focused on US exports. Our opening session, “What FTZs can do for US exports,” focuses on some of the export success stories of our member companies. The seminar will help you maximize the export benefits from your zone, since FTZs offer exporters unique advantages not available using alternative export platforms.
Grantee attendees will learn the latest about the opportunities and challenges of the FTZBs Alternative Site Framework (ASF) initiative, and the Operator/User track will be extraordinarily useful for everyone who faces an unprecedented number of CBP import requirements and CBP enforcement actions.
In addition to seeing how FTZs can play an important role in the President’s new National Export Initiative, we hope that you will enjoy your time in the Windy City. Please let us know how we can enhance your educational experience at this and future meetings.
May 23-24, 2010
The Westin Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL
