Hundreds of tariff-free zones exist temporarily — and they’re in the US
In the complex world of international commerce, tariffs often play a central role in shaping economic policy, influencing global supply chains, and affecting the prices consumers pay for everyday goods. Yet, while much attention is given to discussions about trade barriers and tariffs imposed on imports, there exists a little-known mechanism within the United States that allows businesses to bypass certain duties altogether: Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs).These zones, scattered across the country, provide companies with temporary tariff relief under specific conditions, offering flexibility that can significantly impact business operations, costs, and competitiveness. Though largely invisible to the average consumer, FTZs represent…