Foreign Trade Zone Advisory Services

Reducing Tariff Costs Through Strategic FTZ Solutions

Rising tariffs, trade tensions and shifting regulations continue to challenge global supply chains — driving up costs and squeezing margins. For many companies, duty costs are treated as fixed expenses, with limited efforts to proactively manage or reduce them. The U.S. Foreign Trade Zone (“FTZ”) program, however, offers a powerful, often overlooked opportunity to achieve significant cost savings while enhancing operational flexibility.

Despite its benefits, the FTZ program is often viewed as complex and tough to implement. Companies may be deterred by unfamiliar regulations, administrative burdens or operational shifts. Even experienced FTZ operators may underuse the program’s full potential due to resource constraints or compliance concerns.

FTI Consulting’s Comprehensive FTZ Support

At FTI Consulting, our global trade professionals provide end-to-end FTZ advisory services tailored to each client’s operational model and strategic goals. Whether you are exploring FTZs for the first time or want to refine an existing zone, our team delivers practical, compliant and cost-effective solutions.

New to FTZs? We Guide You Every Step of the Way

Navigating an FTZ for the first time can feel daunting. Our team breaks it down step by step, guiding you from feasibility to activation with clear, practical guidance and hands-on training.

Our support includes:

  • End-to-end FTZ feasibility studies
  • Duty impact modeling and cost-benefit analysis
  • FTZ application preparation and submission
  • Activation support with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”)
  • Development of Inventory Control and Recordkeeping Systems (“ICRS”)
  • Operational procedure design and compliance planning
  • Staff training and change management support

Already Operating an FTZ? Maximize Its Value

Even well-managed FTZ programs can leave value on the table if not regularly evaluated against changing regulations and supply chain dynamics. We help established operators reassess their programs to unlock untapped benefits, address compliance risks and align with new regulations.

Key focus areas:

  • Strategic program evaluations
  • Technology and process optimization
  • Integration with duty drawback, bonded warehousing and trade agreements
  • Scrap and waste treatment strategies
  • Valuation and tariff mitigation planning

Support for FTZ Grantees

We assist FTZ Grantees in leveraging the program as a regional economic development tool. Our team provides advisory support to align FTZ initiatives with broader investment and growth strategies.

Our services include:

  • FTZ utilization assessments
  • Stakeholder education and training events
  • Compliance framework development

Our Core FTZ Services – Organized for Maximum Impact

Strategic Planning & Feasibility
Unlock the full potential of FTZs through targeted analysis and insights.

  • Feasibility studies and stakeholder briefings
  • Duty impact modeling and cost-benefit analysis
  • FTZ utilization assessments for grantees

Application & Activation Support
Ensure a smooth and compliant path to FTZ approval and operation.

  • FTZ application preparation and activation coordination
  • Production authority requests and documentation
  • Support for CBP and FTZ Board site visits

Operations & Compliance
Design and optimize your internal controls for full CBP compliance.

  • Development of Inventory Control and Recordkeeping Systems (“ICRS”)
  • Operational procedure and compliance program design
  • Simulated compliance reviews and process improvements
  • Periodic CBP reporting preparation
  • Scrap and waste treatment strategies

Training, Staffing & Change Management
Equip your team with the knowledge and resources to succeed.

  • FTZ administrator staffing and training
  • Staff training and change management support
  • Stakeholder education and training events

We donʼt just deliver plans — we partner with your team to ensure they have the skills and confidence to manage your FTZ successfully.

Technology & Integration
Modernize and streamline FTZ processes through digital solutions.

  • FTZ software consulting and integration support
  • Technology and process optimization

Broader Trade & Customs Strategy
Align FTZ use with global trade efficiencies and regulatory strategy.

  • Integration with duty drawback, bonded warehousing and trade agreements
  • Forced labor compliance and admissibility assessments
  • Valuation and tariff mitigation planning
  • Local tax and jurisdiction navigation
  • Technical and industry-specific trade research

Why FTI Consulting?

FTI Consulting delivers tailored FTZ advisory support backed by multidisciplinary trade expertise and a proven track record across industries. We combine regulatory insight with operational know how to develop practical, sustainable FTZ solutions.

What sets us apart:

  • Cross-functional expertise in trade, valuation, compliance and supply chain
  • Deep experience advising multinational enterprises and regional governments
  • End-to-end support from feasibility to implementation and optimization

Related Insights

Published

August 08, 2025

temp Key Contacts

Eva Tomlinson

Senior Managing Director

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