Ponce Trade Zone Seeks Expansion for Local Business Boost
Published Date: 8/29/2025
Notice
Summary
CODEZOL wants to reorganize and grow Foreign-Trade Zone 163 in Ponce, Puerto Rico, which includes 13 sites covering nearly 937 acres. This change aims to boost trade and business in the area, helping local companies save money and operate more smoothly. The application was officially filed on August 26, 2025, and if approved, it could bring new opportunities and economic benefits to the region.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
FTZ 163 Reorganization Application Filed
An application to reorganize and expand Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 163 in Ponce, Puerto Rico was formally docketed on August 26, 2025. FTZ 163 currently consists of thirteen sites totaling 936.984 acres and the request was submitted under the Foreign-Trade Zones Act and FTZ Board regulations.
Port of Ponce Site Expansion
The applicant requests authority to expand Site 1 of FTZ 163 by an additional 93.91 acres at the Port of Ponce. This is part of the reorganization/expansion application docketed August 26, 2025.
Removal of Site 6 Requested
The application requests removal of Site 6 (Coto Laurel Industrial Park, 86 acres) from FTZ 163. That removal is part of the reorganization/expansion application filed August 26, 2025.
No Production Authorization Now
The applicant states that no authorization for production activity is being requested at this time; any requests for production authority would be made to the FTZ Board on a case-by-case basis. This is included in the application docketed August 26, 2025.
Public Comment and Rebuttal Deadlines
The FTZ Board invites public comment on the application; comments must be received by October 28, 2025, and rebuttal comments may be submitted through November 12, 2025. Submissions should be sent to the FTZ Board's Executive Secretary at the listed email address.
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