FTZ News: Gramercy, Louisiana – Foreign-Trade Zone No. 124 at the Port of South Louisiana (FTZ 124) continues to be one of the most powerful and active Foreign-Trade Zones in the United States as of July 2026. For several consecutive years, this zone has maintained the number 1 or number 2 ranking in key performance indicators among all U.S. FTZs.

Current Status (as of July 2026):

- National Ranking: FTZ 124 holds the No. 1 or No. 2 position in the overall economic impact ranking of U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones.
- Merchandise Received: In the latest annual report, Louisiana ranked second in the nation in merchandise received, with FTZ 124 accounting for the majority of this performance.
- Exports: Ranked third in the nation for exports through Foreign-Trade Zones.
- Tonnage Volume: The Port of South Louisiana had previously recorded over 248 million tons, with a growth of 10 million tons from the previous year. The positive trend has continued through 2025 and into 2026.

Key Strengths of FTZ 124:

- Home to 27 major companies, including Shell, Marathon, Valero, Baker Hughes, and several large refineries and petrochemical plants.
- Operates 19 active subzones (with the 20th likely being added).
- Strong focus on warehousing/distribution, grain exports, chemical products, fertilizers, and sugar.
- Covers a wide geographic area across 8 different parishes.

Performance Analysis:
FTZ 124 enjoys a significant competitive advantage due to its strategic location along the Mississippi River — America’s largest inland waterway system — and its excellent access to the Gulf of Mexico. The zone has performed particularly strongly in energy, petrochemicals, and agricultural exports.

While many coastal FTZs faced challenges with global supply chains, Louisiana has maintained steady growth by relying on its strong river infrastructure and deep-water ports.

Outlook for July 2026:
- Continued investment in infrastructure and expansion of subzones.
- Greater focus on diversification (beyond energy) and attracting new industries.
- Intense competition with Texas FTZs, yet Louisiana continues to rank among the top performers.

Conclusion
FTZ 124 at the Port of South Louisiana is not only one of the most active Foreign-Trade Zones in America but also a key pillar of the nation’s logistics and export economy. Its performance in 2026 demonstrates the continued economic strength of the Gulf Coast region and the vital importance of Foreign-Trade Zones in the national supply chain./.