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The total dollar value of cargo moved through the Port of Tacoma's foreign trade zone tripled in the past fiscal year. For the U.S. government fiscal-year 2010 (which ended Sept. 30, 2010), more than $1.3 billion worth of domestic and foreign merchandise moved through the zone — an area legally considered outside of U.S. customs territory — compared with $440 million in FY2009.

Automakers Mazda and Kia were the two biggest users of the zone in FY2010, using the area to process imported autos, according to the port. In addition, Puget Sound International and Norvanco International activated facilities in the zone for the entire fiscal year.

In terms of total dollar value of foreign-status merchandise admitted into a foreign trade zone, Tacoma, Wash.'s zone ranks third among the 35 West Coast zones, trailing only San Diego and Long Beach, Calif., according to the port. The Tacoma zone also ranks 18th among the nation’s 272 foreign trade zones.

The port recently applied to have its zone — which was established in 1983 — reorganized under the U.S. Department of Commerce's new Alternative Site Framework program. The port's four on- and near-dock intermodal yards are served by BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad, and switching and terminal rail services are provided by Tacoma Rail.