FTZ Trade & Tariffs Response Team

In anticipation of upcoming trade and tariff actions, NAFTZ has formed the Trade and Tariffs Rapid Response Team (TRRT). This cross-functional team serves as the strategic body to address developments efficiently and comprehensively by monitoring, and assessing the evolving trade and tariff landscape, ensuring the NAFTZ proactively educates members and capitalizes on advocacy opportunities for FTZ stakeholders.

TRRT Goals:

Monitor U.S. Tariff and Trade Developments: Continuously track Customs and tariff policy and regulatory changes.
Analyze Impact: Quantify exposure, assess risks, and summarize implications for the FTZ program.
Leverage External Expertise: Invite outside expertise and opinions if needed to provide external perspectives and updates.
Enable Rapid Action: Act as the association’s structured response mechanism for trade- and tariff-related developments.
Explore Mitigation Strategies: Identify and evaluate potential responses to tariff changes, such as agency outreach or advocacy.

Click to see the list of NAFTZ members that make up the Trade & Tariffs Response Team.

TRRT Updates

Steel and Aluminum Tariffs - February 13th, 2025

Clarification on PF-Status Lock and In-Transit Exemption - February 11th, 2025

As we noted earlier, last week NAFTZ requested guidance from CBP on behalf of its members for pending questions regarding treatment and timing of the in-transit exemption and tariff treatment related to the PF-status election.

Specifically, NAFTZ sought confirmation of its legal interpretation that PF status election locks in the regular and Chapter 99 HTS code(s) and their duty rates in effect at the time of PF-status election...

Click here to read the February 11th, TRRT update.

Various Updates - February 10th, 2025

Executive Orders Levying Tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China Origin Goods - February 2nd & 3rd, 2025

February 2nd Update: The White House announced several tariff actions on Saturday, February 1, 2025, with effective dates of February 4th. The tariffs include an additional 25% on goods with a country of origin of Mexico, 10% on goods with a COO of China, and 25% on goods originating in Canada, with energy and energy resources as an exception with only an additional 10% tariff. NAFTZs TRRT gives considerations for managing inventory on-hand in and destined for U.S. FTZs here.

We encourage members to consult the full text of the memorandum for detailed information and to stay informed about the ongoing reviews and reports referenced in the document. The TRRT will continue monitoring these developments closely, with a focus on their potential impact on FTZ operations.

February 3rd Update: The TRRT has been closely monitoring the latest tariff developments and has updates in the following:

PF Treatment of On-Hand FTZ Inventory
5-Day Rule and Nonprocessing Stipulations
Mexico Tariffs Paused for 1 Month
Canada Tariffs Paused for 1 Month

To see the February 3rd TRRT update, click here.

America First Trade Policy Memorandum

The memorandum outlines an extensive range of investigations, reviews, and actions to be undertaken by various federal agencies. The TRRT has summarized the memorandum’s key provisions and responsibilities. To see the TRRT summary click here.

Members, log into the infohub in order to review documents within the Advocacy folder found within the Resources tab.
Click here to log in: https://members.naftz.org/MIC/Login

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Click here to create an account: https://members.naftz.org/MIC/Create

If you need assistance accessing the InfoHub, contact Kristine Wells at kwells@naftz.org.

Advocacy News

NAFTZ Trade & Tariff Rapid Response Team (TRRT) Update

Published February 11, 2025

New Year, New Proposed Rules for Comment!

Published January 23,2025

FTZ Trade & Tariffs Response Team

TRRT Updates

Advocacy News

National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones