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10/27/2025
The Port of New Orleans last week announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce approved its application to expand its No. 2 foreign trade zone (FTZ) service area to include St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana.
The port partnered with the St. Tammany Economic Development Corp. (EDC) to pursue the expansion, which is anticipated to increase cargo moving through Port NOLA. The FTZ also covers Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard Parishes, Port NOLA officials said in a press release.
The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad provides switching services to the port and connects it to all six Class Is.
"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. By extending this resource to the North Shore, we’re creating new opportunities for businesses to expand operations, strengthen supply chains, and contribute to Louisiana’s long-term prosperity," said Russell Richardson, president and CEO of the St. Tammany EDC.
An FTZ is a secure area under U.S. Customs and Border Protection supervision that allows businesses to defer, reduce, or even eliminate duties on imported goods. FTZ designation provides companies greater flexibility in supply chain management and encourages international trade.