The Port of New Orleans announced that the United States Department of Commerce has approved its application to expand Port NOLA’s Federal Trade Zone service area to include St. Tammany Parish. FTZ No. 2 already covers Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes.
This expansion positions the Port and the broader Southeast Louisiana business community to attract new investment, support regional economic development, and create jobs.
Beth Branch, Port NOLA President and CEO, said that by expanding our Federal Trade Zone into St. Tammany Parish, they’re offering businesses another powerful tool to strengthen their competitiveness, increase trade opportunities, and ultimately generate new jobs across the region.
A Federal Trade Zone is a secure area under US Customs and Border Protection supervision that allows businesses to defer, reduce, or eliminate duties on imported goods. FTZ designation gives companies greater flexibility in supply chain management and encourages international trade.
Through a strategic partnership with the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation, Port NOLA is supporting expanded growth opportunities on the Northshore, as well as increasing revenue across both the region and the state.
Russell Richardson, President and CEO of St. Tammany EDC, commented that this designation not only strengthens our connection to global markets but also reinforces St. Tammany’s role as a critical hub for commerce and logistics in Southeast Louisiana.
Expanding FTZ No. 2 into St. Tammany will help move more cargo through the Port of New Orleans while also enhancing Louisiana’s role in global commerce.
