A Look Ahead to 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones community has navigated one of the most dynamic trade environments in recent memory. Tariff uncertainty, new regulatory demands, and shifting economic priorities required constant adaptation. Throughout the year, NAFTZ worked to ensure FTZs remained part of the national policy conversation and that member concerns were heard clearly in Washington.

Below is a review of what we achieved together—and the advocacy priorities shaping 2026.

Engaging Early to Shape Smarter Regulations

Census EEI Reporting – Advocacy that Delivered Results

When the Census Bureau proposed changes to Electronic Export Information reporting from FTZs, NAFTZ’s Operations Advocacy Working Group and Automation Committee quickly identified significant issues. NAFTZ’s detailed comments led Census to postpone the proposal, preventing operational disruptions and opening a path for continued collaboration.

De Minimis Reform – Ensuring FTZs Are Considered

CBP issued two major NPRMs on de minimis data and eligibility. NAFTZ’s Distribution Advocacy Work Group emphasized that FTZs provide secure facilities and strong data—exactly what policymakers want as they reconsider low-value shipment rules. . Later Executive Orders eliminated de minimis for all U.S. importers, realizing parity for U.S. FTZs.

Streamlining Burdens That Don’t Add Value

NAFTZ also responded to CBP’s annual reconciliation attestation requirement, noting that it offers limited value to CBP or the trade. Highlighting these inefficiencies reflects our commitment to practical, effective compliance.

The Tariff Environment: Persistent Advocacy in a Challenging Climate

Tariffs were the dominant policy force in 2025. The Administration views tariffs as a tool to strengthen domestic manufacturing and address perceived foreign trade distortions. However, these actions—including the restriction to PF status admissions—have created significant unintended consequences for U.S. FTZ operators.

NAFTZ repeatedly communicated that FTZs were created to encourage U.S. investment and job growth, not to promote imports. Correcting misconceptions about the program remains essential.

Member Engagement on Capitol Hill

At our February Legislative Summit and Hill Visits, record member participation helped elevate FTZ issues. NAFTZ emphasized:

• The need for dedicated CBP resources for FTZ oversight
• Fair treatment of FTZ inventory when tariff rates change
• Addressing USMCA disadvantages for U.S. FTZ manufacturers

While some offices showed strong interest, others underestimated the immediate impact of the 10% across-the-board tariff, reaffirming the importance of continued education and outreach.

Member Stories: The Most Effective Advocacy Tool of 2025

One of the most powerful shifts this year was the increasing impact of member stories. Concrete examples—such as a grantee’s FTZ-supported growth of nearly 10,000 new jobs over a decade—resonate strongly with policymakers.

To support this momentum, NAFTZ created impact templates for manufacturers, distributors, and grantees to use in outreach to Congress or to share directly with NAFTZ. As Jeff noted:

“Everybody in the FTZ world needs to know how important it is to tell their FTZ impact story to Congress right now.”

This will remain a central message heading into 2026.

CPSC eFiling – Preparing for a Tight Implementation Window

NAFTZ successfully secured a six-month extension for FTZ compliance under the new CPSC electronic Certificate of Compliance rule, moving the effective date to January 8, 2027. Still, with acknowledged system constraints, implementation will require careful planning. NAFTZ’s Automation Committee is assessing options, and member input will be crucial in shaping next steps.

USMCA Review: A Key 2026 Priority

As the USMCA joint review approaches in July 2026, NAFTZ submitted comments and testified before USTR to highlight long-standing inequities that disadvantage U.S. FTZ manufacturers. Correcting this disparity is essential to strengthening U.S. competitiveness, and member examples will be central to this effort.

Looking Ahead to 2026

NAFTZ enters 2026 focused on:

• Securing fair treatment for FTZ goods in the USMCA review
• Advancing solutions on PF status and tariff impacts
• Supporting members as CPSC eFiling approaches
• Continuing to elevate member impact stories in all advocacy channels

Thank You

Your engagement, expertise, and advocacy shaped NAFTZ’s work in 2025. As we move into 2026, we remain committed to supporting U.S. manufacturing, jobs, and global competitiveness through a strong FTZ program.

For assistance telling your FTZ story or engaging in our advocacy efforts, contact NAFTZ’s Director of Advocacy, Melissa Irmen at mirmen@naftz.org.