Texas Border Business
The Port of Brownsville’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) continues unlocking new opportunities for the Rio Grande Valley, serving as a strategic gateway providing convenient connectivity for global trade.
In its 85th Annual Report of the Foreign-Trade Zones Board to Congress, published Aug. 28, the Port of Brownsville’s FTZ No. 62 ranked 3rd in the nation marking a 12-year-consecutive streak the value of exports at $7 billion. For the first time, FTZ No. 62 broke through the Top 20 list for the value of imports, ranking 14th with $3.2 billion worth of commodities imported.
“Our foreign trade zone is an indispensable asset that significantly bolsters the economic landscape of the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Mexico,” said Port Director and CEO William Dietrich. “By providing logistical support and cost-savings to diverse industries it plays a pivotal role in job creation and economic development across the region strengthening the Port of Brownsville’s position as a premier location for business.”
FTZ No. 62, one of the largest in the state, covers key locations across Cameron County, such as the Port of Brownsville, Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, Valley International Airport, Harlingen Industrial Park and Airpark, NAFTA Industrial Park in Brownsville, and Los Indios’ FINSA Industrial Park. About 115 businesses are active in the zone, with major commodities including petroleum, machinery, metals, iron/steel, and textiles/leather/fiber materials. Activity at FTZ No. 62 is responsible for thousands of jobs in the Rio Grande Valley.
“With our FTZ No. 62, companies can navigate customs processes more efficiently enhancing their competency in the marketplace,” said Port of Brownsville Director of Cargo Services and FTZ Administrator Tony Rodriguez. “Reliable, timely and cost-effective services make all the difference in keeping the supply chain strong.”
