How Foreign Trade Zones Help Supply Chain Leaders Scale Smarter

What Is a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), and Why Should You Care?

Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) are more than just government-designated spaces for storing imported goods. They're a strategic tool for global manufacturers, industrial suppliers, and companies facing high-volume imports, rising costs, and regulatory complexity.

Imagine being able to delay or avoid paying import duties, reduce your Merchandise Processing Fees (MPFs), and streamline your customs reporting—all while accelerating your inventory flow. That's what FTZs make possible. But unlocking those benefits takes more than a location. It takes strategy, execution, and expertise.

thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services (tkSCS) specializes in helping businesses harness the full power of FTZs—without the stress, confusion, or risk. From infrastructure to compliance, we create end-to-end logistics systems that help our clients scale smarter, not harder.

Why FTZs Give You a Competitive Edge

At their core, FTZs exist to reduce friction in international trade. Goods stored in an FTZ are technically considered outside U.S. customs territory, which means duties are only paid once those goods enter the domestic market. If the goods are re-exported, no duties are paid at all.

That flexibility is a game-changer for companies managing intricate global supply chains. If your operations involve importing components, assembling finished goods, or distributing products to multiple regions, FTZs allow you to control costs at every stage.

Here’s the catch: navigating the regulatory maze of an FTZ is not for the faint of heart. From customs documentation and security protocols to system integrations and real-time inventory reporting, the setup and day-to-day execution of an FTZ requires precision.

That’s exactly what tkSCS delivers.

tkSCS’ Approach to Full-Service FTZ Logistics

FTZ success is about more than paperwork. It’s about performance.

tkSCS brings decades of industrial logistics experience to the table, combining strategic planning with operational excellence. We manage certified FTZ facilities across the U.S., integrating with your systems and processes to deliver scalable, secure, and compliant solutions.

Our FTZ services cover every link in your logistics chain:

Strategic FTZ Site Management

We don’t just provide space—we create purpose-built FTZ warehousing environments optimized for your product mix and volume. That includes segregated storage for dutiable goods, secure access controls, and real-time visibility into every SKU. Whether you’re handling solar components, auto parts, or precision electronics, our FTZ spaces are tailored for your operations.

Compliance Infrastructure You Can Trust

FTZs require strict adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. tkSCS handles the heavy lifting—from entry and withdrawal tracking to electronic recordkeeping and audit support. We also ensure your data flows cleanly between WMS, ERP, and customs platforms so nothing falls through the cracks.

We don’t just check boxes—we safeguard your business from risk.

Value-Added Services Inside the FTZ

tkSCS doesn’t stop at warehousing. We add value to your goods while they’re in the zone, so you can streamline operations and cut costs without triggering early duty payments.

That includes kitting, de-kitting, labeling, relabeling, and light assembly. These services help you reduce labor at the destination and optimize shipping configurations, all while staying compliant.

Customs Brokerage + Transportation Integration

Our logistics experts coordinate inbound freight, bonded drayage, and last-mile delivery—all with FTZ efficiency in mind. Paired with trusted customs brokerage support, we ensure your cargo clears faster and with fewer surprises. When you control more of the chain, you reduce friction and increase speed.

Data-Driven ROI & Forecasting

We equip our clients with more than operations—we deliver clarity. Using advanced cost modeling, we help you calculate FTZ savings by SKU, forecast financial impact, and test trade policy scenarios before they become reality. With tkSCS, your FTZ strategy is backed by real data, not assumptions.