Vol. 9, No. 4 September 2024

Port's FTZ Ranked 14th in Imports, Top 3 in Exports Nationwide

The Port of Brownsville’s Foreign Trade Zone No. 62 is a crucial driver of the Rio Grande Valley's economy, creating thousands of jobs and streamlining supply chains.

The Port of Brownsville’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) continues unlocking new opportunities for the Rio Grande Valley, serving as a strategic gateway providing convenient connectivity for global trade.

In its 85th Annual Report of the Foreign-Trade Zones Board to Congress, published Aug. 28, the Port of Brownsville’s FTZ No. 62 ranked 3^rd in the nation marking a 12-year-consecutive streak the value of exports at $7 billion. For the first time, FTZ No. 62 broke through the Top 20 list for the value of imports, ranking 14th with $3.2 billion worth of commodities imported.

"Our foreign trade zone is an indispensable asset that significantly bolsters the economic landscape of the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Mexico," said Port Director and CEO William Dietrich. "By providing logistical support and cost-savings to diverse industries it plays a pivotal role in job creation and economic development across the region strengthening the Port of Brownsville's position as a premier location for business."

FTZ No. 62, one of the largest in the state, covers key locations across Cameron County, such as the Port of Brownsville, Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, Valley International Airport, Harlingen Industrial Park and Airpark, NAFTA Industrial Park in Brownsville, and Los Indios' FINSA Industrial Park. About 115 businesses are active in the zone, with major commodities including petroleum, machinery, metals, iron/steel, and textiles/leather/fiber materials. Activity at FTZ No. 62 is responsible for thousands of jobs in the Rio Grande Valley.

"With our FTZ No. 62, companies can navigate customs processes more efficiently enhancing their competency in the marketplace," said Port of Brownsville Director of Cargo Services and FTZ Administrator Tony Rodriguez. "Reliable, timely and cost-effective services make all the difference in keeping the supply chain strong."

BTA Convenes to Address Ports, Maritime Trade

Port of Brownsville Director and CEO William Dietrich joined Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson, in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, for a meeting of the Border Trade Advisory Committee (BTAC) on Aug. 27.

During the meeting, Dietrich led a presentation on the Port of Brownsville's capabilities and the expanding business opportunities it offers.

"Texas ports are an integral part of our state’s thriving trade system," said Secretary Nelson. "The maritime industry connects Texas commerce to the rest of the world and drives job creation and economic growth."

The committee also received presentations on the impact of Texas ports on the state’s economy, the innovations necessary for future growth, and the mutual benefits of stronger connections between Texan and Mexican ports.

Port Talk: Pursuing Progress

The Port of Brownsville continues to make strides enhancing its facilities to better serve the Rio Grande Valley region.

Tune in to the latest episode of Port Talk as Port Director and CEO William Dietrich shares a detailed update on projects at the port with KURV 710 AM.

Honoring National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

The Port of Brownsville is proud to join the American Trucking Associations and the entire trucking industry in celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week from Sept. 15-21, 2024.

This week is dedicated to recognizing and thanking the 3.5 million professional truck drivers who keep our nation moving by delivering essential goods and resources to communities far and wide.

In 2023 alone, the Port of Brownsville saw 458,800 truck movements, with an average of 1,256 trucks passing through each day. These drivers are the backbone of our regional economy supporting industries in South Texas and Northern Mexico.