FTZ 29 Program Launched In Louisville

Companies operating within Kentucky’s Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) No. 29 may take advantage of a new benefit designed to help them compete better in the global marketplace.

The FTZ, administered by the Louisville Riverport Authority, operates in a 25-county region, with members spread from Berea to Henderson in Kentucky and across the physical footprints of the Louisville, Henderson and Owensboro riverports and surrounding areas.

The Louisville Riverport Authority’s recently announced FTZ 29 Operator Advantage Program will allow FTZ 29 operators currently activated by Customs and Border Protection to receive a National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones membership funded by the riverport authority, if not an existing member. Those who are already members may receive an additional company representative added to their program or reimbursement toward attendance at an eligible NAFTZ conference or educational event.

The benefits begin with the 2027 membership year.

“Companies operating in today’s global marketplace face increasingly complex international trade regulations, evolving supply chain challenges and changing competitive pressures,” said Miguel A. Zamora II, executive vice president, Louisville Riverport Authority and administrator of FTZ 29. “LRA believes its role as an FTZ grantee goes beyond simply administering the Zone. By helping our operators succeed, we strengthen FTZ 29 and enhance its value as a tool for economic development and international trade. Through this initiative, we’re providing access to NAFTZ’s expertise, advocacy, education, and professional resources — making a tangible investment in our operators’ ability to navigate these challenges and compete more effectively in global markets.

Businesses within FTZ 29 include marine and river terminal operators, freight and cargo logistics companies, distribution centers, import/export businesses, manufacturers utilizing international supply chains and warehousing and transportation providers.

NAFTZ membership participants gain access to industry education, professional development opportunities, trade and regulatory resources, peer networking opportunities and information on evolving international trade regulations and supply chain issues.

“The program will help operators stay current on regulatory developments, better understand changing trade policies and supply chain conditions, learn best practices from other FTZ operators across the country, bring new knowledge and strategies back to their organizations and improve operational effectiveness and decision-making,” Zamora said.

He added that the Louisville Riverport Authority board is investing in FTZ 29 operators because the board believes stronger, more informed operators become more competitive internationally, which in turn strengthens FTZ 29 and the regional economy.

“This underscores LRA’s broader goal of supporting business investment, job creation, international trade and economic growth throughout Kentucky,” Zamora said.

“Foreign-Trade Zones are designed to help American companies compete globally, and that requires more than simply providing access to the program itself,” said Steve Miller, LRA executive director. “As international trade regulations, supply chains and business conditions continue to evolve, companies need access to high-quality resources and industry expertise. This investment demonstrates our commitment to helping FTZ 29 operators stay informed, strengthen their operations and remain competitive in the global economy.”

Jeffrey J. Tafel, president of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones, said the collaboration between the NAFTZ and the Louisville Riverport Authority has been exceptional.

“They were focused from the beginning on meaningful engagement and education for FTZ 29 operators and, in doing so, helped strengthen the FTZ program nationally,” he said. “We look forward to seeing FTZ 29 participants deepen their engagement and get even more value from the U.S. FTZ program.”

The Louisville Riverport Authority will coordinate annual enrollment and membership renewals directly with the NAFTZ. Participation will be subject to program eligibility requirements and administrative guidelines established by the Louisville Riverport Authority. The riverport plans to evaluate program participation and operator feedback on an ongoing basis to assess the initiative’s value and to identify opportunities for future enhancements.

For more information, visit https://www.ftz29.org.

Featured photo caption: The Louisville Riverport Authority’s FTZ 29 Operator Advantage Program will allow operators currently activated by Customs and Border Protection to receive a National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones membership funded by the authority, if not an existing member. Existing members may receive a second membership or reimbursement toward attendance at an eligible NAFTZ conference. (Photo courtesy of the Louisville Riverport Authority)