Joseph Powell
Port of Pascagoula

The Economic Benefits Of A Port Being Designated As A Foreign Trade Zone

This paper uses the Port of Pascagoula as a central case study to explore the economic impact of Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) designation on port operations. FTZs offer critical incentives—such as tariff deferrals and streamlined customs procedures—that enhance global trade efficiency, stimulate local investment, and drive regional employment. Through a mixed-methods approach that includes comparative data from Duluth Seaport, the Port of Alaska, and the Port of Vancouver USA, this research evaluates the influence of FTZs on trade volume, infrastructure development, and job creation.