NAFTZ Spring Seminar in Savannah Sees Record Attendance Signaling Increased Interest in the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Program
NAFTZ Spring Seminar in Savannah Sees Record Attendance Signaling Increased Interest in the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2025
Contact:
Jeffrey J. Tafel, CAE
President, National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones
jtafel@naftz.org
The National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) wrapped up its Spring Seminar event last week (May 18 – 20, 2025) in Savannah, GA, marking the largest attendance in the history of this annual in-person event. With over 250 U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (U.S. FTZ) professionals participating, this record turnout reflects the increased interest in the U.S. FTZ program.
Over the course of three days, attendees gathered to hear the latest updates on U.S. trade policy and tariff changes, engage directly with officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and learn from NAFTZ’s experienced and knowledgeable speakers, Executive Committee and staff about ongoing organizational advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C.
Popular sessions at Spring Seminar included:
- Trade Policy & Tariff Updates
- New Tariff Impact on FTZ Marketing Operations
- Advanced Marketing Techniques for Grantees
- Local Port Perspectives and Operational Best Practices
- And many more.
“This year’s Spring Seminar marked a powerful moment for our association—not just in terms of record-breaking in-person attendance, but in the quality and timeliness of the insights shared” said NAFTZ President Jeffrey J. Tafel. “The energy in the room reflected our members’ deep commitment to collaboration and resilience. Whether welcoming first-time guests or helping one another navigate today’s complex trade environment, our community continues to embody the values that set us apart: knowledge-sharing, inclusivity, and support”.
Established by Congress in the 1930’s, the U.S. FTZ program incentives domestic investment in U.S.-based value-added operations that might otherwise relocate offshore. These zones are subject to dual federal agency approval and oversight and operate in close partnership with CBP to ensure secure and compliant trade operations.
U.S. FTZs employ more than 550,000 American workers across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, covering nearly every industry sector. The program enhances global competitiveness by helping companies:
- Export from U.S. FTZs duty-free (with certain trade agreement limitations)
- Defer duty payments until goods enter U.S. commerce
- Reduce customs fees and streamline entry processing through weekly entry procedures
- Streamline logistics and accelerate supply chain operations with direct delivery privileges
NAFTZ’s next in-person event will be the Annual Conference & Exposition from September 14 – 17, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event is expected to bring together more than 500 U.S. FTZ professionals from across the United States and Puerto Rico, and government officials, to continue the dialogue on trade, compliance, innovation, and opportunities within the U.S. FTZ program.
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NAFTZ is a non-profit trade association comprised of more than 825 members spanning the United States and Puerto Rico. The association is the collective voice of all that engage in the U.S. FTZ program, serving as the premier advocacy and educational organization for the U.S. FTZ community of professionals. For questions or more information about U.S. FTZs visit our website at www.naftz.org.