The Port of New Orleans has received approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce to expand its Federal Trade Zone, extending the zone’s reach into St. Tammany Parish. The designation—known as FTZ No. 2—previously covered only Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes.
Port officials say the expansion will help attract new investment, strengthen trade and support job creation across Southeast Louisiana.
“This approval marks a significant milestone for Port NOLA and our regional partners,” said Beth Branch, Port NOLA president and CEO. “By expanding our Federal Trade Zone into St. Tammany Parish, we are 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 overseen by U.S. Customs and Border Protection where businesses can defer, reduce, or eliminate duties on imported goods. The designation can help companies manage supply chains more efficiently and better compete in global markets.
The expansion is the result of a partnership between Port NOLA and the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation. Officials say the move opens the door for more business growth on the Northshore while contributing to the broader regional economy.
“The expansion of FTZ No. 2 into St. Tammany underscores the value of regional collaboration in driving economic growth,” said Russell Richardson, president and CEO of St. Tammany EDC. “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.”
Branch said the expansion will also increase cargo moving through the Port of New Orleans while enhancing Louisiana’s role in global commerce. “Ultimately, this expansion is about ensuring our businesses can compete and thrive,” Branch added. “The Port of New Orleans is proud to work alongside St. Tammany leaders to create long-term economic opportunities that benefit our entire region.”
FTZ No. 2 is administered by the Port’s Board of Commissioners under authority granted by the Foreign-Trade Zones Board in Washington, D.C., in 1946. There are now more than 30 designated sites across Greater New Orleans.
The Foreign-Trade Zone program, created by Congress in 1934, helps U.S. companies compete internationally by allowing delayed or reduced duty payments on imported goods that are stored or processed within secure zones.
