Dear Friends,

I can’t wait to see you all in Kansas City in less than two months! If you haven’t already, make sure to register, and invite 10 friends while you’re at it.

As we just passed the halfway mark of 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the broader trends shaping the trade community, especially around FTZs. It’s easy to get caught in the daily churn of tariff changes and geopolitical noise, but zooming out reveals some interesting data-driven insights that might not show up in the media.

The FTZ Board’s 2024 Annual Report will be published soon and will certainly offer valuable perspective. In the meantime, I took a look at some real-time data to see how things are unfolding this year. Here are 4 takeaways:

1. FTZ staff cases are surging: We've already seen 186 cases in 2025, projecting nearly 372 for the year—a 62% increase over last year.

2. Top states for activity: Florida, California, Georgia, Texas, and Michigan are leading the charge.

3. Post-tariff momentum: April, May, and June saw major spikes in filings following the “Liberation Day” tariff announcements

4. Federal Register notices: Despite the uptick in staff cases, Board-level activity (production notifications, applications, new grantees, etc.) is tracking similarly to previous years with around 91 FTZ-related notices so far.

As production notification applicants adapt to the FTZ Board’s evolving questions in notification filings, I anticipate even greater activity ahead. Just to clarify:

• Staff cases typically involve new usage driven sites or subzones under the ASF.
• Board cases generally cover production authority requests, TSF actions, and new grantee applications.

Throughout the year, there’s been chatter about diminishing FTZ benefits, and while some of that concern is valid, the data tells a different story. Interest in FTZs remains strong, and for many companies, the remaining advantages have never been more compelling.

Let’s keep sharing this narrative, because FTZs aren't just supporting U.S. exports; they’re shaping the future of American manufacturing, driving innovation, and opening the door to new global opportunities. The surge in activity we’re seeing reflects a growing awareness of the strategic power this program offers: from accelerating supply chains to revitalizing local economies. By amplifying their story, we’re helping more businesses of all sizes realize their potential, empowering communities, and fueling the kind of job creation and investment that lays the foundation for long-term economic growth. The best is still ahead, and it starts with telling the world what American FTZs can do.

See you in Kansas City,

James