The Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) program in Laredo, Texas, continues to be an option for Mexican importers and exporters, allowing them to optimize their cash flow , maintain storage in the United States, and can even be used with products subject to certain quotas.
Federico Schaffler, Laredo’s Foreign Trade Administrator and head of the city’s FTZ, explained that they have experienced strong growth in the first six months of the year , thanks to the strategy of reaching out to Mexican customs agents through their U.S. counterparts.
He explained that one of the benefits provided by the FTZ is that any merchandise that enters the country does not pay tariffs or taxes until it enters the North American market.
“This is a huge advantage for companies because, at a given time, their inventories are already in the United States, and they don’t pay taxes until they make sales, until they enter the market. This represents a huge advantage for importers and exporters, allowing them to make better use of their resources; that is, they don’t need to pay the full price of their exports until they enter the market,” he explained.
He also mentioned that if merchandise from Canada destined for Mexico needs to remain in the United States, it can use the FTZ to avoid paying taxes , meaning it can be used to re-export it to a third country, such as Spain or Italy.
In addition, it allows Mexican exporters to have part of their inventory in the United States, among other advantages .
“Merchandise can be stored indefinitely in the FTZ, while bonded warehouses have a certain temporary nature. To use an FTZ, you need a special number with CBP and within the warehouse area,” he explained.
He specified that there are currently 54 operators in Laredo managing 65 FTZs, and six are awaiting approval, as well as 12 that will be sought to join.
“We’re growing a lot, and it’s important for Mexican and American customs brokers to offer added value to their clients and become more competitive. In the second half of the year, I hope to reach 80 locations and at least 70 operators,” he said.
Regarding the U.S. government’s tariff policy, Schaffler stated that it has sparked interest in FTZs, not only in Laredo but throughout the United States. He said it’s “better to have this program than not to have it,” given the benefits it offers to trade.
“Operating an FTZ will help them at some point control these operations and know when they can ship their merchandise and place it on the North American market, but those are decisions made by the importing and exporting companies,” he emphasized.
He commented that Mexican customs brokers will have support and guidance to operate a foreign trade zone in Laredo, as this will increase their competitiveness as a company and bring economic benefits to their clients.
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