As we move further into 2026, one thing has become increasingly clear: the environment surrounding U.S. trade policy is evolving rapidly. In many ways, we are operating in one of the most consequential trade policy environments in decades. In moments like this, it becomes even more important that policymakers clearly understand how the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program works in practice—and how it supports real operations, real investment decisions, and real jobs across the country.

At times like this, the role of the NAFTZ community becomes even more important.

Our recent Legislative Summit in Washington demonstrated exactly how powerful that engagement can be. Members traveled from across the country to participate in policy discussions, hear from trade experts and policymakers, and most importantly, take the story of the FTZ program directly to Capitol Hill.

But while the Summit was an important moment, it represents something much larger. Advocacy for the FTZ program does not begin and end with a single event in Washington. It is an ongoing effort that depends on the collective voice of this entire community.

NAFTZ’s advocacy approach remains grounded in a clear and consistent principle: the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program is a congressionally established tool designed to support American jobs, encourage domestic investment, and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in the global economy. Our role is not to debate broader trade policy, but to ensure policymakers understand how FTZs advance national economic objectives—and how decisions made in Washington affect FTZ operations across the country.

At its core, the FTZ program works because it delivers practical results for U.S. operations. For many companies, Foreign-Trade Zones improve operational efficiency, provide greater financial flexibility, and strengthen global competitiveness. Those outcomes are exactly why Congress established the program and why it continues to play an important role in helping American businesses invest, produce, and grow in the United States.

Maintaining that focus has allowed NAFTZ to build credibility with policymakers and regulators across administrations. Credibility leads to access, and access creates opportunities to advance practical solutions that support the program and the companies that rely on it.

NAFTZ’s voice in Washington continues to grow stronger. Membership has expanded, engagement has increased, and policymakers are paying closer attention to the role Foreign-Trade Zones play in supporting American industry.

And that is exactly why member engagement is so important.

NAFTZ alone cannot carry this message as effectively as the community itself. The most persuasive advocates for the FTZ program are the people who work with it every day.

Whether you are a grantee supporting regional economic development, an operator managing complex zone operations, a company using the program to strengthen domestic production, or a service provider helping ensure compliance and efficiency, each of you brings a perspective policymakers need to hear.

When members share their real-world experience—how FTZs support investment decisions, strengthen supply chains, and help maintain American jobs—they make the program tangible in a way no policy briefing ever could.

Your voice helps policymakers understand what the FTZ program is, why it exists, and how it contributes to American competitiveness. It influences perspective, shapes policy discussions, and helps ensure the program continues to serve the purpose Congress intended.

As the year continues, I encourage all members to stay engaged or get engaged—whether through NAFTZ events, advocacy efforts, committee participation, or conversations with policymakers in your home districts. The strength of this program has always come from the expertise, professionalism, and engagement of the community behind it.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program and to the work NAFTZ does on behalf of the entire FTZ community.