REPORT - NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FOREIGN-TRADE ZONES - World Free Zones Organization
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF FOREIGN-TRADE ZONES
ANNUAL
REPORT
WELCOME FROM THE NAFTZ BOARD CHAIR & PRESIDENT
2020 NAFTZ ANNUAL REPORT LOOKS BACK ON AN EXCEPTIONALLY CHALLENGING YEAR AND AHEAD TO 2021
This report shares with our members what has been accomplished in the
past year on their behalf, and the association’s full agenda of advocacy,
education, and events planned for the year ahead. The report also tells
the success story of the FTZ program and its growing contributions to
the U.S. economy.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Our Impact 4
Founded in 1973, NAFTZ is the collective voice of the FTZ community in
the United States and Puerto Rico. The association represents more than
Programs & Education 10
650 members, including FTZ grantees, operator/user companies, and Zone Trends & Analysis 16
service providers.
Sector Spotlight: Pharmaceuticals 19
The mission of NAFTZ is to serve as the FTZ program’s principal Looking Ahead 20
educator and lead advocate in demonstrating the program’s value and
role in the changing political and economic environment of international
Policy Agenda 22
trade. NAFTZ supports local economic development and the global Leadership & Staff 25
competitiveness of its members by disseminating vital information and
Committee Chairs, Life Members 26
promoting the expansion of international trade.
Past Chairs & Lifetime Achievement 27
The 2020 NAFTZ Annual Report documents the work we have
done to advance that mission. Notwithstanding the considerable Financials 28
challenges we have faced this year, NAFTZ continued to provide Get Involved 29
exceptional educational and informative programs focused on FTZs and
Appendix: FTZs Defined 30
international trade topics. Hosted by NAFTZ, these events included
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2020 Annual Report
the Fundamentals Conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida in January, on policy issues impacting the program and stakeholders, including the
offering comprehensive educational content and the Legislative Summit, continuing trade-remedies actions, implementation issues in the U.S.-
in Washington, DC in February, the industry’s premier lobby fly-in Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the effect of changes to the Sec.
event. Then, as the global COVID-19 pandemic hit American shores and 321/de minimis statute on zone distributors, and efforts to address illicit
travel restrictions were imposed, we quickly pivoted to virtual events for trade and forced labor. We have also collaborated with U.S. Customs
both the Spring Seminar and the Annual Conference. We were proud and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. FTZ Board, as well as multiple
at the success of our virtual conferences and our ability to provide partner government agencies, to improve the regulation of the program
informative programming and content, including a record number of and transitional changes currently underway, particularly on revisions of
webinars on such topics as the changes occurring in the e214 process regulations governing the FTZ program, modernization of the processes
and highlighting the flexibility FTZs brought companies dealing with the for modifying zone admissions through e214 processing. The FTZ
supply chain challenges during the year. program and stakeholders will continue to face new opportunities and
challenges in the public policy arena in election year 2021. For NAFTZ’s
The FTZ program itself continues to deliver measurable benefits in a time 2021 policy agenda, see pp. 22-24.
of major challenges and uncertainty for the United States. According to
the most recent U.S. FTZ Board Annual Report to Congress, FTZ exports With our latest annual report, we hope to convey our pride in what we
and employment have continued to provide positive impacts to the U.S. have accomplished in the past year, despite the challenges we’ve all
economy, as documented in the FTZ trends and analysis section (see faced, and our hope and expectation for what lies ahead in the new year.
pp. 16-18).
Best wishes for better times in 2021,
In Washington, DC, NAFTZ has been a resolute advocate for the
interests of our members and an ever-more useful, dynamic, and viable
FTZ program. We have actively lobbied Congress and the Administration
Melissa Irmen, Board Chair Erik Autor, President
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2020 Annual Report
OUR IMPACT IN 2020
In 2020, NAFTZ continued active lobbing on key advocacy
objectives. NAFTZ had an active lobbying schedule throughout the year
with Members of Congress and staff. These included 15 Hill visits in
conjunction with February’s legislative summit and regular calls and WebEx
meetings once limitations on in-person visits were imposed. These efforts • U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The North American
focused particularly on Members of the Senate Finance and House Ways Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its implementing legislation each
and Means Committees, which have jurisdiction over the FTZ program, contained a harmful provision that prevented companies in U.S. FTZs
and Congressional Leadership to discuss policy and legislative issues of from taking advantage of the intended benefits of both NAFTA and the
importance to program and stakeholders, including the following: FTZ program and handicapped their ability to compete with Canadian
• Trade-action duties/FTZs for America Act. Working closely with and Mexican products in the North American market. The first of
Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Carper (D-DE), and other Senate these restrictions prohibited FTZs from eligibility under the NAFTA
allies, NAFTZ made considerable progress in the effort to address rules of origin to claim preferential duty treatment for products
the inequitable tariff treatment between U.S.-based manufacturers manufactured in a zone for U.S. consumption, termination of which
located inside and outside an FTZ — specifically the improper has been a long-standing NAFTZ policy goal. Early in 2020, Congress
assessment of duties on FTZ merchandise under various trade actions passed legislation to implement the USMCA and repeal the NAFTA
(Sections 201, and 301) due to the way country of origin data is Implementation Act, including the rule-of-origin restriction. However,
reported on FTZ entries, and the inconsistent and conflicting ways the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office (USTR) subsequently claimed
these duties are being applied to subject merchandise in privileged- the ROO repeal was inadvertent and pressed Congress to restore
foreign (PF) status when the duty rate is changed or terminated while the original NAFTA restriction for the USMCA through a technical-
the merchandise is in an FTZ but prior to entry. NAFTZ’s legislative corrections bill. Working closely with Sen. Cornyn (R-TX) and a
solution, the “FTZs for America Act,” is in final form and we lined bipartisan group of Senators, NAFTZ launched a vigorous campaign
up a lead sponsor and several co-sponsors for introduction of the to oppose this action, which succeeded in stalling, but ultimately not
legislation in Congress at the earliest opportunity in 2021. preventing inclusion of the ROO language in the technical corrections
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2020 Annual Report
bill. However, this effort did succeed in significantly raising to include this proposal in a bill he is sponsoring to prevent trade in
awareness of the NAFTZ and issues impacting the FTZ program products made with the forced labor of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang
in Congress, the Administration, and media. It also helped create Province China. More broadly, NAFTZ has continued its engagement
a core group of FTZ allies, particularly in the Senate; and secured in the international initiative led by the Organization for Economic
a commitment from the Ranking Member of the House Ways and Cooperation and Development (OECD) in collaboration with the
Means Committee, Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) to work with Cornyn on World Free Zones Organization (WFZO), and the World Customs
a stand-alone FTZ bill in 2021. Organization (WCO) to address the illicit-trade problem in certain
foreign free zones. We have used this forum to explain how the U.S.
• 321/de minimis. NAFTZ continued to work through the Ship Safe
FTZ program can serve as an example of good compliance practices for
Coalition (formerly the 321 Coalition) in support of amendments
zone programs in other countries combatting the illicit-trade problem.
to the FTZ Act and Sec. 321 to allow duty-free shipments of “de
minimis” merchandise (valued under $800) from warehouses in U.S. • Revising FTZ Regulations (Parts 146 and 400). Although faced
zones into the domestic market as is currently allowed for imports with an unpredictable political environment and little agency activity
from other countries. We continued to make the case that addressing on promulgating and revising regulations, NAFTZ continued to discuss
this issue is critical for FTZ distributors, who face a serious threat to our draft proposals with CBP and FTZ Board to update regulations
their ability to maintain ecommerce fulfillment operations and jobs in governing the FTZ program. The CBP regulations have not undergone
the United States, and to help lower the risk of illicit trade entering a substantive update since 1986 and FTZ Board regulations since
the U.S. market through ecommerce channels. 2012. Treatment of FTZ merchandise under duties imposed through
trade actions, elimination of the “five-day” rule, zone-to-zone
• Illicit trade. NAFTZ has become increasingly engaged on the problem
transfers, and direct delivery are key issues with CBP and scope of
of illicit trade, which includes importation of products violating U.S.
production authority with the FTZ Board.
laws on health, safety, the environment/conservation, forced/child
labor, and protection of intellectual-property rights (IPR). To position • Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) and the Automated
the FTZ program as an effective tool in the fight against illicit trade, Commercial Environment (ACE). NAFTZ continued work on several
NAFTZ submitted a proposal to CBP to allow targeted merchandise issues relating to the ongoing effort to build out the ACE compliance
to be stored securely in an FTZ under Customs supervision during the software platform. This included submission of comments and
pendency of a decision whether the goods may be allowed into U.S. questions to CBP about the transition of e214 admissions filings
commerce. NAFTZ also worked with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) – into ACE and continued work with partner government agencies,
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2020 Annual Report
particularly Fish & Wildlife and NHTSA, in the transition of PGA NAFTZ membership in 2020. NAFTZ membership in 2020 was also
compliance data into the ACE platform. Related issues under adversely impacted by the pandemic with 654 total members at the end
discussion included ACE funding and the treatment of direct delivery of the membership year on September 30. This was slightly above our
by those PGAs requiring compliance data submission prior to zone adjusted target of 650, but 59 below our all-time membership record
admission remain ongoing issues. set the previous year. We nonetheless considered this to be a positive
result as it was only about 20 memberships below the normal average
• In-bond regulations. NAFTZ continued work on in-bond issues,
of around 675, membership numbers were kept at, or very close to
including CBP interim guidance on the amount required for FTZ
the 2019 figures in every key membership category except Grantee
operator bonds.
Designated and Op/User Additional, and the financial shortfall in dues
NAFTZ’s 2020 conferences. Like many associations, NAFTZ’s revenue was limited.
2020 conferences program was severely disrupted by the pandemic,
FTZs continued to drive U.S. exports and employment per the
necessitating changing the Spring Seminar
U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board Annual Report to Congress
and Annual Conference to virtual
released in December 2020 covering calendar year 2019.
events. Given the challenges we
faced, we can say that all four • In 2019, over 460,000 persons were employed in zones in all 50
of NAFTZ’s conferences in States and Puerto Rico.
2020 were successful, with • The largest industries accounting for zones activities in 2019 included
the Spring Seminar setting oil refining, automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and machinery/
new attendance record equipment.
for any NAFTZ event,
strong support from our • In 2019, the total number of active FTZs stood at 193, with the
number of active zones’ production operations rising to 348.
sponsors, and uniformly
positive feedback from • In 2019, both the value of merchandise received at FTZs and the
participants. For more value of merchandise exported from FTZs fell slightly from the
information on these previous year despite a strong economy, reflecting the impact of
programs, please see the Trump tariffs and the decline in FTZ activity in the petroleum
pp. 10-15. sector. Of note, 61 percent of all FTZ activities were associated with
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2020 Annual Report
manufacturing/ production operations and exports from FTZs totaled • Despite the pandemic, NAFTZ experienced active interest from the
$111 billion dollars. press and responded to a particularly high number of inquiries from
reporters about the FTZ program, the impact of trade-remedies
In 2020, NAFTZ communicated important information about the
actions, the USMCA, and the fight against illicit trade. The result was
program to its members and the public and raised the media profile
the publication of several articles throughout the year, more than
of the association.
double our usual press coverage, providing NAFTZ considerable media
• The monthly Zones Report e-newsletter reached every member with
exposure.
vital information about the association, the FTZ program, stakeholders,
and important developments. • International Trade Today quoted NAFTZ President, Erik Autor, and
NAFTZ General Counsel, Marshall Miller in a lead article published
• Blast emails notified members about a wide-variety of issues impacting
in February entitled “NAFTZ to Ask CPB to Rethink Application of
the FTZ program, including breaking developments on trade-policy,
Section 301 Tariff Decrease to FTZ Goods”;
regulatory, and operational issues.
• Inside U.S. Trade quoted Erik Autor in an article published in
• Significant improvements were made to the NAFTZ website to
February entitled “Foreign Trade Zone Association Claims CBP is
facilitate member communications, including the addition of easily-
Misapplying Tariffs”;
accessed information on the website links to “Get Involved” and “FTZ
Resources,” and “Professional Development.” • International Trade Today quoted Erik Autor in a second lead article
published in February entitled “CBP Says USTR Action Needed to
• NAFTZ continued to expand its reach on social-media sites to provide
Change Course on Treatment of Section 301 Goods From FTZs”;
regular updates and photos. NAFTZ has 1,468 followers on Twitter
(@naftz), 1,000 on LinkedIn, 315 on Facebook, and 71 on Instagram. • International Trade Today published a third article in February
entitled “CBP Discussing Adding FTZ Operators as CTPAT Entity;
• The Journal of Commerce published a special section in September
highlighting the FTZ program. It included articles written by NAFTZ • Inside U.S. Trade quoted Erik Autor in an article published in April
entitled “CBP to Postpone Some Duty Payments Amid Pandemic”;
President, Erik Autor; NAFTZ Executive Committee Member, Shannon
Fura with co-author Jeremy Page; NAFTZ Board Member, James • CEO Update quoted Erik Autor in an article published in May on
Grogan; and NAFTZ Advisory Council Member, Lewis Leibowitz. NAFTZ’s zone storage initiative entitled “Helping Members With
Creative Strategies for Doing Business”;
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2020 Annual Report
• Inside U.S. Trade quoted Erik Autor and NAFTZ Advisory Committee • Politico published a second article in December on the NAFTZ
member, Lewis Leibowitz, in an article published in May entitled USMCA issue entitled“ Cornyn Presses Lighthizer to Drop Foreign
“Companies Operating in Foreign Trade Zones to Gain Preferential Trade Zone Proposal”;
Treatment Under USMCA”; • International Trade Today quoted Erik Autor in an article published
• Inside U.S. Trade published a second article in May reporting on in December entitled“ Grassley Against FTZ Stance on Technical
the NAFTZ Virtual Spring Seminar entitled “CBP Official: Very Fast Corrections.”
Roll-Out of Tariff Deferral Measure Left Some Importers Behind”;
NAFTZ Leadership.
• International Trade Today quoted Erik Autor in a lead article
• In November, Melissa Irmen of ISCM, Inc. succeeded Frankie Bryson
published in July entitled “Return to NAFTA Treatment of FTZs May
as NAFTZ Board Chair.
be in Technical Corrections Bill”;
• At the November Annual Business Meeting, the NAFTZ membership
• Supply Chain Management Review quoted Erik Autor in an article
approved a slate of directors to the NAFTZ Board, including four new
published in September entitled “FTZ Update: Cross-Border Trade
directors – Patty Cannon of the State of Delaware
May be New Sweet Spot for Supply Chain Managers”;
FTZ #99 (grantee); Katie Carney of
• International Trade Today quoted Erik Autor in a lead article Livingston Int’l (service provider),
published in October entitled “NAFTZ Still Pushing Against Justin Huguet of Mercedes-Benz
Reinstatement of NAFTA Rules of Origin”; U.S. Int’l, Inc. (operator), and
• Politico quoted Erik Autor in an article published in November Cornelia Steinert of John S.
entitled “ Lighthizer Move Irks Foreign Trade Zone Operators”; James (service provider).
• Inside U.S. Trade quoted Erik Autor in an article published in • Members also endorsed
December entitled “Senators Urge USTR to Maintain Foreign Trade a new NAFTZ Executive
Zone Language in USMCA.” Committee, which, in
• Politico published an article in December on Senate letter to USTR addition to Chairman
in support of NAFTZ entitled“ Cornyn Leads Senate Group Opposed Melissa Irmen, comprises
to FTZ Tax Hike”; Shane Williams (Vice Chair),
Shannon Fura (Treasurer), and
James Grogan (Secretary).
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2020 Annual Report
NAFTZ continued to build its engagement with domestic and • Outside Conferences. NAFTZ is a founding member of the WFZO
international partners. and participated in two virtual WFZO conferences, including its New
World Model Conference in September, with over 3,000 attendees.
• Domestic partnerships. NAFTZ maintained mutual promotion
NAFTZ was a virtual exhibitor at this conference and former NAFTZ
agreements with its sister and allied trade associations – the American
Board Member, Torrey Chambliss (Port Tampa Bay/FTZ #79), was
Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI), the American a featured program speaker on how zones around the world are
Petroleum Institute (API), the Inland Rivers Ports and Terminals addressing current challenges. In October, NAFTZ also participated in
(IRPT), the International Compliance Professionals Association the CZFB Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) virtual conference
(ICPA), the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of with over 10,000 attendees from 111 countries. NAFTZ President,
America (NCBFAA), and the Inland Rivers Ports and Terminals (IRPT). Erik Autor, was a panelist with the Chairman of AZFA and the
Secretary-General of the Africa Economic Zone Organization (AEZO)
• Global partnerships. This year, NAFTZ also has memoranda of to discuss how our respective regions are cooperating more closely
understanding (MOU) with the World Free Zones Organization with zones in other countries and their representative associations
(WFZO) and the Asociación de Zonas Francas de las Américas (AZFA), in the areas of commerce, best-practices, compliance, and business
which provide the framework for our relationship and engagement promotion. Finally, NAFTZ member, Denise Yanez (City of Phoenix/
with these international partners. WFZO is the international body FTZ #75), NAFTZ Board Member, Chris Smith (IKEA Purchasing
representing free-trade zones throughout the world. AZFA represents Services), and Erik Autor spoke on a webinar about the FTZ program
as part of the annual conference of the International Economic
free-trade zones throughout Latin America and Spain. A new
Development Council (IEDC).
MOU was signed in 2020 with the Consorcio de la Zona Franca de
Barcelona (CZFB), which expanded NAFTZ’s international network to
include one of the largest free zones in Europe.
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2020 Annual Report
PROGRAMS & EDUCATION In addition to the 21 public
webinars, NAFTZ hosted
three event-specific
ZONECAST WEBINARS webinars in preparation
24 webinars hosted in 2020 for our conferences
NAFTZ’s webinar series became a critical resource for the FTZ and open only to
community during the pandemic and grew significantly compared to registrants, which drew
2019 with continued high interest and participation. Government a total audience of 104
officials and industry experts, including representatives of the for the live events and
automotive, apparel, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and heavy 74 on-demand views.
equipment sectors, shared their views, experience, and expertise on the
major topics of interest to the FTZ community. Twenty-one Zonecast FUNDAMENTALS
public webinars provided participants information on a wide array of
issues, including implementation and FTZ-specific issues in the new US-
OF FTZS SEMINAR
January 5-6, 2020
Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA); forced labor and trade remedies
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
compliance issues for FTZs; FTZ regulatory issues; and a variety of
89 Attendees
topics discussing the advantages of FTZs.
NAFTZ held its premier educational conference, the annual
Free to NAFTZ members to attend live or view in on-demand video Fundamentals of FTZs Seminar, at Lake Buena Vista, welcoming 89
archives, the webinars continued to draw sizable audiences – a total attendees to equal our 2019 record attendance. Panelists included
of 1,780 at the live events. The webinar on “USMCA Training with Christine Allen, Director of Workforce Development & FTZ 260 at
CBP” drew 232 live attendees. Meanwhile, the webinar on “The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA); Polia Comella,
Ins and Outs of In-Bonds” achieved the highest attendance Manager Trade & Customs FTZ Services for Rockefeller Group; and
rate on record of 97% and 2020 NAFTZ webinars received 926 facilitator Eva Tomlinson, Vice-President, FTZ Strategy, UPS Trade
on-demand views. NAFTZ featured live polling at 18 webinars and Management Services, Inc. Presenters provided practical experience and
continues to produce a majority response rate of over 50 percent to grantee and operator/user perspectives on FTZ operations. This “nuts
polling questions, demonstrating strong attendee engagement.
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2020 Annual Reportand bolts” seminar covered FTZ operational details and regulations
and best practices in using an FTZ as part of an effective supply-chain LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT
strategy. At the Sunday Reception, February 11-12, 2020, Washington, DC 100 Attendees
attendees were invited to participate The NAFTZ Legislative Summit is the industry’s premier lobby event
in a charitable event featuring in Washington. A strong turnout of 100 federal government officials,
New Horizons Service Dogs and policy makers, and industry leaders from the foreign-trade zone industry
provide socialization training assembled in the nation’s capital to hear about and discuss issues
to dogs the organization impacting the FTZ program and stakeholders under the event theme of
trains to assist veterans “Championing FTZs in an Election Year.”
with disabilities and
children with autism. Participants received detailed briefings on a wide-range of policy issues
— a Congressional outlook on trade and customs issues from trade
counsels of the House Ways & Means and Senate Finance Committees;
briefings on the USMCA, free-trade agreements (FTAs), and updates
from senior officials with the Foreign-Trade Zones Board, U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Office of the U.S, Trade
Representative (USTR).
Attendees also heard from two prominent trade policy experts, including
keynote speaker, Jennifer Hillman, Senior Fellow at the Council on
Foreign Relations, whose distinguished career in international trade has
spanned Capitol Hill, USTR, the U.S. International Trade Commission,
the World Trade Organization, a faculty position at Georgetown
University Law Center, and the Center for Strategic and International
Studies. Her presentation provided attendees a thought-provoking
discourse on the current state of trade policy and its implications for the
U.S. economy and global economic leadership.
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2020 Annual ReportFollowing the Summit program, attendees were treated to a reception
on Capitol Hill in the ornate Senate Finance Committee hearing room
where four Members of Congress were recognized for their support of
and contributions to the FTZ program. Finance Committee Chairman,
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) arrived to accept his NAFTZ Congressional
Appreciation award from constituent NAFTZ members, Ryan Carroll of
the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Marty Lenss of the Eastern
Iowa Airport. Patty Cannon of the State of Delaware FTZ #99 and Bill
Pfaff of Sussex County Economic Development also had the honor
of presenting the award to their Senator and Member of the Senate
Finance Committee, Tom Carper (D-DE). Attendees were thrilled at the
opportunity to meet these two distinguished Senators in person and
hear their comments on the importance of international trade and the
FTZ program to their states and the country. Awards also went to House
Members, Representatives Brian Higgins (D-NY) and Mike Kelly (R-PA)
who were unable to attend in person due to official business.
At the reception, Angie Atwood of the Columbus Regional Airport
Authority FTZ #138 was also honored as the first recipient of the offices to discuss NAFTZ policy
newly established Homer A. Maxey Advocacy Award. Created in priorities with Members of
acknowledgement of Homer’s leadership role over his many years with Congress and staff. Noteworthy
the NAFTZ to advance many critical reforms in the program, this award meetings were held with the offices
is presented to an NAFTZ member for extraordinary support of NAFTZ of Members of the Senate Finance
advocacy on behalf of the FTZ program. Committee, Senators John Cornyn
(R-TX), Tim Scott (R-SC), Patrick Toomey
The following day, NAFTZ President, Erik Autor, and NAFTZ public (R-PA), Richard Burr (R-NC), and Chairman of the Ways & Means
affairs advisors, Jim Smith and Brian Hannigan, led a delegation of Trade Subcommittee, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and seven other
NAFTZ Board and association members in visits to key Congressional Democratic and Republican Members of Committee.
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2020 Annual Report3,300 VIRTUAL SPRING SEMINAR networking events. The conference also saw 402 attendees at one
0 569 32 May 12-14 & 20-22, 2020
session, setting a new attendance record.
332
,300
569 Attendees The new format allowed us to provide a full program agenda with
guidance and useful information to the FTZ community and the virtual
Themed “FTZs: The Trade Times
platform allowed attendees to see and interact through Q&A with the
Attendees They Are A Changin’,”
speakers. These included FTZ Board Executive Secretary and Staff
NAFTZ’s Spring Seminar
569 32
Director, Andrew McGilvray and CBP Executive Director of Cargo and
was scheduled to take
3013 13
Conveyance Security, Thomas Overacker, describing their respective
place in Minneapolis,
agency’s challenges and responses during the pandemic. One particularly
MN. However,
timely session included a presentation by NAFTZ Board Member,
the onset of the
Speakers/ Katie Tangman, Director of Global Customs and Trade at Columbia
Moderators pandemic, required a
Sportswear, on the increase in investigations into products allegedly
quick pivot to organize
made with forced labor and steps FTZ importers should take in response.
30 13
our first ever virtual
Hours of Content/
Events conference spanning six The program also included opportunities for real-time networking,
days in mid-May with two-hours of program chances to win prizes, and concluded with a virtual NAFTZ Comedy
content per day. and Trivia Show and musical performances which provided over 100
attendees an afternoon of entertainment.
Under challenging circumstances, the Virtual Seminar was an
extraordinarily successful event. With 569 attendees, it set a record
for attendance at an NAFTZ event, with over three times more
registrants than our in-person event, and established a model for virtual
conferences. There were 682 individual registrants, 58 percent of whom
were non-NAFTZ members; 569 registrants attending at least one live
session (an 83 percent attendance rate), 32 speakers/ moderators/
emcees covering 15 different topics, and 13 total hours of content/
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2020 Annual ReportVIRTUAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE
3,300
October 27-29 & November 4-6, 2020 331 Attendees
3,300 331 49
3,300 331 49
The NAFTZ 48th Annual Conference scheduled to be held in Denver also
had to be reorganized as a virtual event, the first time ever for NAFTZ’s
largest annual gathering. Thanks to hard
work, new tech skills, experience from the Spring conference, and the
Attendees
continued dedication of our incredible members, staff, and NAFTZ
331 49 30
supporters, the six-day event was considered a success. There were
17
354 registered attendees, with 331 individual registrants attending
at least one of the six live sessions (a 94 percent attendance rate), 49
speakers/moderators covering 20 different topics, and 17 total hours of
30 17
content/networking events. Speakers/
Moderators
NAFTZ’s policy issues and lobbying activities featured prominently in
30 17
the agenda, including trade remedy actions under Sections 201, 232,
and 301; the USMCA; rules and regulations governing the FTZ program; Hours of Content/
Events
and efforts to expand duty-free benefits under the Sec. 321/de minimis
statute to FTZs.
USMCA Center, briefed the audience on USMCA
The program also featured the customary report on FTZ Board activity implementation and compliance issues and timeframes.
from Executive Secretary and Staff Director, Andrew McGilvray, in
which he noted the Board’s extraordinarily high case load, discussed During the Legislative & Regulatory Call to Action session, panelists, Erik
issues related to scope of production authority, and announced the Autor, Torrey Chambliss, and Brian Hannigan reviewed NAFTZ activity
expected release of the Annual Report to Congress along the same to advance association advocacy priorities, including its fight against
timeframe as the previous year. Queena Fan, Director of the CBP reinstatement of the NAFTA rule-of-origin restriction on FTZs and the
“FTZs For America Act.”
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2020 Annual ReportShortly before conclusion of the Annual Conference, NAFTZ convened Finally, the event again incorporated more light-hearted fare for
a virtual Annual Business Meeting on November 5, during which voting attendees with opportunities for virtual face-to-face networking
members elected a slate of new of Directors to the NAFTZ Board, and featuring a pop culture trivia contest the end of week one. An
including Patricia Cannon of State of Delaware FTZ #99, Katie Carney encore networking reception followed week two, capped off with a
of Livingston International, Justin Huguet of Mercedes-Benz U.S. Int’l, virtual NAFTZ 80’s Trivia Show, combining trivia about NAFTZ as an
Inc., and Cornelia Steinert of John S. James Co. Members also elected organization and its key leadership, and pop culture information from
new officers to the Executive Committee, including James Grogan of that decade.
Ernst & Young LLP as Secretary, Shannon Fura of Page Fura P.C. as
Treasurer, Shane Williams of Port Houston as Vice Chair, and Melissa
Irmen of ISCM Inc. as Chairman. Service awards were also presented
to departing Chairman, Frankie Bryson of Nissan North America, and
outgoing Board Members, Malcolm Appelbe of Lam Research, Torrey
Chambliss of Port Tampa Bay, and Trudy Huguet of GEODIS USA, Inc.
We were also able to conduct a virtual charity event. Thanks to the
generosity of conference attendees, over $1,290 in donations was
raised in partnership with Mile High United Way aiding local Denver
Metro food-focused charities.
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2020 Annual ReportZONE TRENDS & ANALYSIS
FTZS CONTINUE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT
ROLE IN U.S. EMPLOYMENT AND TRADE
The Foreign-Trade Zones program remains a significant contributor
to the U.S. economy in terms of employment and the size and value of Foreign-status merchandise received into FTZs in 2019 remained at
trade (both exports and imports), according to the latest annual report of 11.2 percent of all U.S. imports of foreign goods, but the total value fell
the U.S. Foreign Trade Zones Board to Congress for 2019. slightly from 2018 to $279.4 billion. The fact that the foreign-status
merchandise figures were essentially flat for the year was possibly due
There was a record number of over 460,000 Americans directly working to the impact of the Trump tariffs on imports from China, the European
in FTZ activities in 2019, an increase of over four percent from the Union, and other supplier countries. Also, petroleum’s share of total FTZ
2018 employment total of approximately 440,000. This increase foreign-status products saw another significant drop from 24.8 percent
in employment reflected continued growth in FTZ industry sectors in 2018 to 13.4 percent as the United States has become more energy
tempered by the significant increase in duties imposed by the Trump self-sufficient. Meanwhile, non-petroleum products saw an increase of
Administration on imports from China and other key trading partners. nearly one percentage point to 9.6 percent of total U.S. goods imports in
FTZs continue to play a key role in U.S. production and distribution 2019, which now account for just over four-fifths of all foreign-status
operations that rely on global supply chains to remain competitive. merchandise received into FTZs. (See the chart on p. 17.)
However, there was a 3.2 percent decline in the value of shipments into Among non-petroleum products, the largest reported percentage
zones from the record $793 billion in 2018 to $793 billion, of which increases by industry sector in foreign-status goods received into FTZs
$466 billion (61 percent) was for production operations and $301 billion for production operations were pharmaceuticals (+178.9%); stone/
(39 percent) for warehouse/distribution operations. About 64 percent of plaster/cement/ceramics (+163.6%); wood/paper/printed articles
total shipments into the zones ($490 billion) involved domestic-status (+150%); food products (+66.2%); and machinery/equipment (+41.7%).
merchandise. Thus, FTZ activities involve a combination of foreign inputs Meanwhile, the biggest declines among FTZ production operators
with significant domestic content. were rail cars, parts & equipment (-68.4%); plastic/rubber (-64.2%);
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16
2020 Annual Reportoil/petroleum (-38.7%); and petrochemicals (-30.1%). The biggest
percentage increases in foreign-status goods received among
warehouse/distribution operations were ships/boats (+251.5%); railcars,
FTZ IMPORTS AS A SHARE OF TOTAL parts and equipment (+115.7%); pharmaceuticals (+86.9%); consumer
U.S. GOODS IMPORTS, 1990-2019 electronics (+78.5%); and optical, photographic, and medical instruments
Other Merchandise Petroleum (+60.4%). Among FTZ warehouse/distribution operators, the biggest
16% declines were chemicals (-90.5%); food products (-72.3%); beverages/
spirits (-62.8%); arms/ammunition (-60%); and oil/petroleum (-38.1%).
14%
In 2019, the value of goods exported directly from U.S. foreign-trade
12% zones to foreign countries totaled $111 billion (6.7 percent of total U.S.
merchandise exports). This total export figure was a slight drop from the
10%
previous year’s record of $112 billion, but is actually understated due to
the exclusion of certain indirect exports involving FTZ merchandise that
8%
is warehoused or undergoes further processing at non-FTZ sites prior
6%
to export.
Petroleum refining remained the leading FTZ export sector in 2019.
4%
According to the FTZ Board’s annual report, refineries and petroleum-
2%
related operations accounted for 14 of the top 25 exporting subzones.
As in previous years, motor vehicles and pharmaceuticals also
0% represented major FTZ export sectors each accounting for five of the
1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2019
top 25 exporting subzones.
Sources: FTZ Board Annual Reports and U.S. Census Bureau.
During 2019, there were 262 approved FTZs; 193 active FTZs, with a
total of 348 active production operations, up by 18 over the previous
year; over 500 subzones; and 3,300 firms actively using FTZs. During
that year, the FTZ Board docketed 77 requests and issued 74 decisions,
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17
2020 Annual Reportincluding reorganization or expansion of 5 zones under the alternative process enabling FTZ users full use of CBP’s Automated Commercial
site framework (ASF), and 62 applications and notifications for new Environment (ACE) software-compliance platform; and updating
or expanded production authority. Under delegated authority, the FTZ regulations governing FTZs.”
Board staff processed 268 additional requests including minor boundary
modifications and scope determinations.
“The U.S. FTZ program continues to demonstrate its value to the U.S.
economy,” said Erik Autor, President of the National Association of TOTAL FTZ EXPORTS, 2009-2019 &
Foreign-Trade Zones. “Companies in many key American industries, Billions
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL U.S. EXPORTS
$120
including oil refining, automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, 6.7% 6.7%
aerospace, and machinery/equipment, gain significant global competitive $110
6.1%
advantage by locating their production and distribution operations in $100
5.6%
U.S.-based FTZs, thereby boosting American exports, manufacturing, $90
5.6%
5.0% 5.3%
investment, jobs, and standard of living.” $80
4.5%
$70
However, Autor noted that “the FTZ program remains a work in progress
$60
as the global economy and technology continue to evolve, creating new 3.7%
$50
opportunities and challenges. In response, NAFTZ’s goal is to ensure the
$40
continued strength, effectiveness, and future viability of the program 2.7%
2.6%
$30
through our public-policy agenda including: ensuring companies in
U.S. FTZs can compete on equal terms with their foreign competitors, $20
particularly in countries benefitting from free-trade agreements with the $10
United States; confirming the proper application on FTZ merchandise $0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
of any additional duties imposed under a special trade action; ensuring Sources: FTZ Board Annual Reports and U.S. Census Bureau.
FTZ e-commerce distribution operations get the same duty-free de
minimis benefits as foreign competitors; completing the integration
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18
2020 Annual ReportFTZ SECTOR SPOTLIGHT:
PHARMACEUTICALS
PFIZER, INC.
The pharmaceutical industry is a major and rapidly growing user of the through trade agreements with Europe and other producers of API, the
U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Program. Let’s look at what the FTZ program FTZ program has proved to be an important stopgap measure to keep
means for one prominent pharmaceutical company that has been leading American sites competitive, pending more durable solutions such as
the fight in developing a vaccine for COVID-19. multilateral elimination of tariffs.
The FTZ program also played a uniquely important role in 2020 in
THE FOREIGN TRADE ZONE PROGRAM: THE CASE OF PFIZER helping Pfizer prepare for swift distribution of its COVID-19 vaccine
In 2020, the foreign trade zone and other COVID-related products to US patients. Drug products
program helped Pfizer maintain the cost cannot be imported into the United States until they are approved by the
competitiveness of its U.S. manufacturing U.S. Food and Drug Administration or granted Emergency
footprint, supporting American jobs at Use Authorization. Pending approval, Pfizer was
Pfizer-operated FTZs in Kalamazoo, able to use the FTZs to hold inventory of vaccine,
Michigan (FTZ #43) and Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin (FTZ #41) as well as a new formulation of a drug used to
as well as at contract manufacturer facilities in Florida and help health care providers treat the symptoms
elsewhere.1 While the United States has no tariffs on finished of COVID-19 in their patients. By shipping the
drugs, several Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients are subject product to the FTZs, Pfizer was able to speed
to a duty of 6.5% when entered into the United States. The delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine to U.S.
FTZ program enabled Pfizer to manufacture several medicines government-designated sites immediately upon
at U.S. facilities without incurring an additional duty on the FDA emergency use authorization, saving days of
inputs – duties that foreign drug manufacturers do not have to pay. transit time and reducing uncertainty.
As other countries, such as Canada, eliminate duties on imported API
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The grantee for FTZ #41 is the Port of Milwaukee and for FTZ #43 the City of Battle Creek.
19
2020 Annual ReportLOOKING AHEAD TO 2021
FTZ BOARD CALENDAR
• As in past years, the FTZ Board plans to schedule grantee training
events in 2021 and has scheduled a series of webinars in January
and February for FTZ operators and grantees on the procedures for
submitting annual reports to the FTZ Board (see the Board website for • Forced labor will continue to be an emphasis in CBP’s enforcement
updates and details www.trade.gov/ftz). activity, including the impact on goods admitted to and/or withdrawn
from FTZs.
• March 31 is the deadline for all FTZ firms and grantees to report 2020
zone activity to FTZ Board. • The FTZ Board will continue to work on new and pending applications,
production notifications and scope of authority requests, and zone
• FTZ Board’s 82nd Annual Report to Congress on FTZ Activity in 2020
project approvals.
will likely be released toward the end of 2021.
• CBP will continue work (in partnership with NAFTZ) to publishing
AGENCY & REGULATORY ACTION further guidance on FTZ operations.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Foreign-Trade Zones • CBP will continue work to update the FTZ regulations under 19 CFR
Board could have greater flexibility under the new Administration to Part 146.
address new and pending regulatory issues.
• The FTZ Board may address changes to its regulations under 15 CFR
Part 400 as proposed by NAFTZ.
• It is expected that there will be continued filing of trade-remedy cases
(antidumping, countervailing duties, Sec. 201 safeguards, Sec. 301) • CBP could provide clearer guidance on the tariff-treatment to be
on imported goods but not at the pace or aggressiveness of the past accorded in trade actions under sections 201 and 301 on products
four years. manufactured in a U.S. FTZ based on the NAFTZ proposed statutory
and regulatory language.
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2020 Annual ReportADMINISTRATION & CONGRESSIONAL ACTION EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
• Being still early in 2021 as of this writing, we are waiting to see who In addition to our regularly-scheduled events, NAFTZ will continue
will join former Ways and Means Chief Trade Counsel, Katherine to host its series of monthly educational webinars on a wide range of
Tai, and Rhode Island Governor, Gina Raimondo, President Biden’s topics important to FTZ professionals. The webinars will continue to be
nominees respectively for USTR and Secretary of Commerce, as free to NAFTZ members.
the key players in the new Administration on international trade
and customs policy. We expect that the Biden Administration and
Democratic-controlled Congress, with the Senate Finance Committee
NAFTZ SCHEDULED EVENTS
under the Chairmanship of Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), will continue to Free Virtual Fundamentals of FTZs
focus on U.S.-China trade relations with a greater emphasis on trade January 12-14, 2021
and labor/environment issues. Senate confirmation of Biden’s trade Virtual Legislative Summit
team during the first part of the year will provide an opportunity to February 9-11, 2021
pose questions to the nominees about the role of the foreign-trade
Virtual Annual Spring Seminar
zone program in the Biden trade-policy agenda.
May 2-4, 2021
• Possible legislative activity on international trade in 2021 include
Annual Conference
early action by Congress on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act,
& Exposition
renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and expired
Sept. 26-29, 2021
duty suspensions through a miscellaneous trade bill (MTB).
Loews Miami
• With many trade issues in play that continue to have a direct impact Beach Hotel
on the FTZ program and stakeholders, NAFTZ members will have the Miami Beach, FL
opportunity to participate in virtual Congressional visits during the
February 9-11 Legislative Summit program to highlight the benefits
of the FTZ program to the U.S. economy and jobs.
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2020 Annual ReportPOLICY AGENDA FOR 2021
With the start of a new Administration and Congress in 2021, NAFTZ
is in the process of setting its policy priorities for the year as part of
its continuing efforts on advocacy on behalf of the FTZ program and
stakeholders. NAFTZ expects the following policy issues will be included
in its list of priorities it will focus on this year. (For more information, USMCA and its implementing legislation. By limiting the ability of FTZ
please visit the “Get Involved/Advocacy” page on the FTZ website). manufacturers to export products duty-free to Canada and Mexico
and denying them the benefits of the rules of origin to make those
1. FTZs For America Act. In 2020, NAFTZ worked closely with Sen.
products more cost-competitive with Canadian and Mexican products
John Cornyn (R-TX) to complete draft legislative language ending in the North American market, these restrictions will continue to
inequitable tariff treatment under various trade-actions (Sections hinder the ability of U.S. FTZs to achieve their full potential to
201, 232, 301, etc.) on FTZ-manufactured products, and clarifying advance the program’s goals. Despite this setback, NAFTZ will
the proper duty rate to be applied when those tariffs change while continue to work with our Senate champion, Sen. Cornyn, and Senate
associated privileged-foreign (PF) status merchandise is in zone allies to address these issues in the 117th Congress.
inventory. NAFTZ will continue to work with Cornyn’s office to
get the legislation, entitled the “FTZs For America Act” introduced 3. Illicit Trade/Forced Labor. Preventing illicit trade from entering
early in the new Congress with a strong group of cosponsors. An the U.S. market, especially products made with forced labor, is a
opportunity to move the legislation may present itself later this year growing concern and challenge for every industry importing into
if Congress decides to take up a larger trade bill to renew the expired the United States. NAFTZ will continue to work with Congress, the
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program and temporary Administration, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
duty suspensions. Development (OECD), the World Customs Organization (WCO), and
the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO) on legislation, such as
2. United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Despite our
the “Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act,” and international initiatives
best efforts and work to build a broad bipartisan coalition of support to develop global policies and best practices that are workable,
in Congress, two unfair and punitive restrictions on FTZs in the North manageable, and consider the unique role of FTZs in the global supply
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) were carried over into the chain. We will also continue to promote the U.S. FTZ program’s
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22
2020 Annual Reportenforcement and compliance system as an effective model and tool to
help reduce the risk of trade in illicit and forced-labor goods.
4. 321/de minimis. Changes to U.S. informal-entry rules increasing the
duty-free de minimis level for imported goods from $200 to $800
adversely impacted FTZ distribution operations by encouraging a shift
of e-commerce fulfilment for the U.S. market to Canada, Mexico, and
other foreign locations. NAFTZ is a participant in an industry group –
the “Ship Safe Coalition” – seeking legislative changes to address the
adverse impact of this change by expanding the Sec. 321/de minimis
procedures to include FTZs. While efforts to address this issue in the
116th Congress were ultimately unsuccessful for political reasons
beyond our control, NAFTZ and the Coalition believe there may be
opportunities to advance the proposal with the new Congress and
Administration.
5. Revise Customs Part 146 FTZ regulations/FTZ Manual. Customs
regulations on FTZs (19 CFR Part 146) have changed little since
1986. In 2018, NAFTZ relaunched an effort with CBP through the
Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) to modernize these
regulations to account fully for the revolution in CBP automation
as well as sweeping changes in global supply-chain management.
NAFTZ has worked with CBP and now has a completed working
draft that would transform the regulations to meet the 21st century
needs of CBP, the FTZ community, and a more globally-integrated
U.S. economy. Among other things, NAFTZ seeks to protect and
expand direct delivery; eliminate the outdated five-day rule and the
blanket 216 for manufacturing, manipulation, and exhibition; address
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23
2020 Annual Reporttreatment of withhold release order (WRO) merchandise in FTZs; 7. ACE programming for the FTZ e214 admission. A milestone in
provide for a more-streamlined and automated compliance review the ITDS single-window initiative occurred in 2017 with integration
mechanism; and update CBP’s FTZ Manual. of the e214 FTZ admission process from the legacy Automated
Commercial System (ACS) software platform into ACE. The next step
6. Revise the FTZ Board’s “production scope of authority”
is to add Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) message sets into the
regulations. Current Foreign Trade Zones Board regulations on
e214 through ACE for those PGAs requiring compliance data for FTZ
FTZs (15 CFR Part 400) do not allow FTZ operator/user companies
goods before entry from a zone into U.S. Customs territory, while
sufficient flexibility to quickly modify their approved list of imported
also ensuring the future viability of the FTZ direct-delivery procedure
components and/or finished products in response to changing
for program stakeholders. NAFTZ continues to work with the PGAs
demands of global competition. As part of a larger effort to update
and CBP to facilitate this process and adopt a viable compliance
Part 400, NAFTZ continues to urge the FTZ Board to introduce
process that fulfills the PGAs’ enforcement mandate while minimizing
changes to allow use of six-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
unnecessary burdens on FTZ filers.
numbers to define the scope of production authority (versus the
current focus on written commercial description), and a retrospective
notification process to allow companies to maintain full compliance
and keep assembly lines in operation. NAFTZ seeks a pilot program
for both concepts, and new regulations where necessary.
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2020 Annual ReportBOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF
CHAIR DIRECTORS
Melissa Irmen Christine Allen Justin Huguet Erik Autor
Senior Vice President Dir. of Workforce Dev. & Trade Compliance President
ISCM, Inc. FTZ 260, Lubbock Economic Specialist, Mercedes-Benz
Development Alliance U.S. International
VICE CHAIR Robert Balli Christopher Smith Victoria Cartwright
Shane Williams FTZ Analyst Trade Advisor Vice President of
Economic Development Phillips 66 IKEA Purchasing Services Events & Education
Director (US) Inc.
Port Houston Eric Berry Cornelia Steinert Jarmila Zapata
TREASURER Director of Trade Services Director of Foreign Trade Director of
Shannon Fura PointTrade Services, Inc. Zone Services Communications &
Partner John S. James Co. Member Services
Page Fura, P.C. Renée Boyette Katie Tangman Melvin Morris
Administration Officer Dir. of Global Customs Senior Manager
Triangle J Council of & Trade, Columbia of Accounting &
SECRETARY
Governments Sportswear Company Administration
James Grogan
Senior Manager Katie Carney Michael Thomas
Ernst & Young LLP Dir., US Brokerage, Foreign President/Managing
Trade Zones Services Director, Thomas
Livingston International International Group
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Frankie Bryson Patricia Cannon HONORARY DIRECTOR
Dir. of Alliance Customs Dir. of Special Projects Trey Boring,
and Trade, Nissan North State of Delaware’s Sr. Vice President
America, Inc. Department of State IMS Worldwide, Inc.
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2020 Annual ReportCOMMITTEE CHAIRS & HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS
COMMITTEE CHAIRS HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS
CHAIR, ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE CHAIR, INTERNAL POLICY MANUAL 1979 Homer A. Maxey, Jr., FTZ 9, Honolulu, HI
Sean Lydon COMMITTEE
President Shannon Fura 1982 Marshall Miller, Esq., Miller & Co.
ISCM Partner
1986 Robert N. Dee, FTZ 2, New Orleans, LA
Page Fura, P.C.
CHAIR, ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
1988 Joseph O’Connor*, FTZ 44, Mount Olive, NJ
Torrey Chambliss CHAIR, MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Director, FTZ & Cargo Business Jessica Rosen 1993 Dennis J. Curran, Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services
Development Director – UPS FTZ Strategy
Port Tampa Bay UPS Zone Solutions 1995 Tommy L. Berry, PointTrade Services, Inc.
CHAIR, AUTOMATION COMMITTEE CHAIR, OPERATOR/USER COMMITTEE 2000 Greg Jones, Foreign-Trade Zone Corporation
Elizabeth Connell Robert Yoder
2007 Domenick Gambardella, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Senior Director Product Senior Manager FTZ
Management adidas 2007 Karen Sager*, FTZ Consulting LLC
Thomson Reuters
CHAIR, PETROLEUM COMMITTEE 2008 Donnie Barnes*, BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC
CHAIR, BYLAWS COMMITTEE Beverly Cruz
David Ostheimer Trade Compliance Customs Analyst 2008 David Ostheimer, Lamb & Lerch
Consultant Shell Exploration & Production Company
2019 Brandi Hanback, Rockefeller Group
Lamb & Lerch
CO-CHAIRS, PROGRAM COMMITTEE
CHAIR, GRANTEE COMMITTEE Sean Lydon
David Panko President
Foreign Trade Zone Manager ISCM
City of El Paso / El Paso
Jessica Rosen
International Airport
Director – UPS FTZ Strategy
UPS Zone Solutions
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2020 Annual ReportPAST BOARD CHAIRS & LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
PAST BOARD CHAIRS & PRESIDENTS
2019-2020 Frankie Bryson, Nissan North America, Inc. 1991-1993 Catherine Durda*, FTZ 49, New York, NY
2018-2019 Eva Tomlinson, UPS Zone Solutions 1989-1991 Tommy L. Berry, PointTrade Services, Inc.
2017-2018 Rebecca Williams, The Rockefeller Group 1987-1989 Dennis J. Curran, Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services
2016-2017 Trey Boring, IMS Worldwide, Inc. 1985-1987 Roy Jaeger, FTZ 49, Newark, NJ
2015-2016 Jose Quinonez, Economic Development Department, 1983-1985 Joseph O’Connor*, FTZ 44, Mount Olive, NJ
County of El Paso 1981-1983 Robert G. Brave, FTZ 14, Little Rock, AR
2013-2015 Jan Frantz, BC/CAL/KAL Inland Port Development Corp. 1979-1981 Marshall Miller, Miller & Company, P.C.
2012-2013 Scott Wienke, Abbvie, Inc. 1977-1979 Craig J. Rovzar, FTZ 18, San Jose, CA
2011-2012 Lewis Leibowitz, Hogan Lovells US LLP 1975-1977 Robert N. Dee, FTZ 2, New Orleans, LA
2009-2011 Linda C. Hothem, Pacific American Group 1973-1975 Homer A. Maxey, FTZ 9, Honolulu, HI
2007-2009 Brandi B. Hanback, Rockefeller Group
2005-2007 Ray E. Shaw, Aligned Border Solutions LLC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
2003-2005 Phyllis Saathoff, Port Freeport 2014 Karen Sager*, FTZ Consulting LLC
2001-2003 Donnie B. Barnes*, LCB BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC 2015 Donnie B. Barnes*, BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC
1999-2001 Dom Gambardella, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
2017 Domenick Gambardella, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC
1997-1999 Karen Sager*, FTZ Consulting LLC
2018 Tommy L. Berry, PointTrade Services Inc.
1995-1997 Chris Koelfgen, Foreign-Trade Zone Services
2020 Homer A. Maxey, FTZ 9, Honolulu, HI
1993-1995 Greg Jones, Foreign-Trade Zone Corp.
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