Broward County’s Foreign-Trade Zone No. 25 earns national recognition for top rankings in merchandise received and exports

Broward County, Florida – Broward County’s Foreign-Trade Zone No. 25 has once again earned recognition as one of the nation’s top performing zones, according to the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board’s 2024 Annual Report to Congress. The report, which analyzes data from more than 1,300 active Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs) across the country, shows FTZ No. 25 maintaining its position in the Top 25 for merchandise received and ranking in the Top 10 for export activity.

The Foreign-Trade Zone program, overseen by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is designed to help businesses streamline operations, enhance cash flow, and efficiently serve both domestic and international markets. Collectively, U.S. FTZs employ approximately 543,000 people and handle over $1.1 trillion in merchandise annually, highlighting their critical role in national trade and economic growth.

At Port Everglades, FTZ No. 25 supports 314 jobs and facilitates the movement of more than $4.3 billion in merchandise received and a similar amount in exports. While its export ranking of No. 10 reflects strong performance, the zone’s merchandise received ranking dropped slightly to No. 25 from No. 7 the previous year. Despite this minor shift, officials emphasize that the zone continues to provide significant value to importers and exporters throughout Broward County.

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“The zone’s position underscores its strength and importance to businesses operating in the region,” said a Port Everglades spokesperson. “FTZ No. 25 offers companies a competitive edge by providing a secure and efficient environment to move goods internationally.”

Industries with FTZ designations across the U.S. span a wide range, including automotive, oil refining, and machinery and equipment. At Port Everglades, the leading commodities traded through FTZ No. 25 in Fiscal Year 2024, which ran from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, were petroleum products, machinery, and mechanical appliances. These sectors highlight the zone’s diverse role in supporting complex and high-value international trade operations.

One of the factors that sets FTZ No. 25 apart from other zones in South Florida is its dual role as both grantee and operator. This distinction allows the zone to offer CBP representation services, giving businesses direct support in navigating compliance requirements and simplifying interactions with federal partners. Coupled with its proximity to a deepwater port and regional intermodal connections, FTZ No. 25 is uniquely positioned to drive trade and generate economic value for both clients and the broader Broward County community.

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“Foreign-Trade Zone No. 25 remains a critical asset for Broward County, enabling importers and exporters to operate efficiently while creating high-value jobs and supporting the local economy,” said a county representative.

Sponsored by Broward County and administered by Port Everglades, FTZ No. 25 allows goods to enter the zone without formal CBP entry or immediate duty payment, providing businesses with flexibility in cash flow management. The zone continues to demonstrate that strategic infrastructure and strong federal partnerships can make a local trade hub a national leader.

For more information about Foreign-Trade Zone No. 25, businesses and interested parties can contact the office at 954-468-0216 or email [email protected]. With its strong performance and ongoing growth, FTZ No. 25 is set to remain a cornerstone of international trade in South Florida for years to come.