The Tariff Act of 1930, known as the Smoot-Hawley Tariffs, and was a major factor in the reduction of American exports and imports before the Great Depression. In response to these protectionist tariffs, Congress passed the Foreign-Trade Zones Act of 1934 to “expedite and encourage foreign commerce” in the U.S. to mitigate the negative impacts of Smoot-Hawley. In 2018, the U.S. is once again faced with protectionist tariffs, but levied by the President through powers granted to the office through the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and the Trade Act of 1974. Could the FTZ once again provide a safe harbor from tariffs for U.S. companies that rely on foreign components? How can planners and economic developers use the FTZ program to assist businesses and communities facing these issues and challenges? Our presenters are practicing economic development professionals with direct experience managing, marketing, and supporting FTZ programs across the United States.
Email madelynea@bcdcog.com to register
Madelyne Adams, GIS Planner
madelynea@bcdcog.com