New Hampshire Becomes Unlikely Hub for Undersea Internet Cables
Published Date: 11/25/2025
Notice
Summary
SubCom, LLC wants to make undersea fiber-optic cables and repeaters at its Newington, New Hampshire facility inside Foreign-Trade Zone 81. This means they can bring in certain parts from other countries with lower or no import taxes, helping them save money and boost production. The public can share their thoughts until January 5, 2026, before the government decides.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
FTZ lets SubCom reduce import duties
SubCom proposes to manufacture undersea fiber‑optic cables and repeaters at its Newington, New Hampshire facility inside Foreign‑Trade Zone 81. The proposed finished products would be duty‑free, and listed foreign components may be admitted with duty rates that range from duty‑free to 4.5%, allowing the company to reduce import taxes on parts used in production.
Some parts subject to special tariff rules
The request says certain materials may be subject to duties under section 1702(a)(1)(B) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, section 232, or section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 depending on country of origin. Those items must be admitted into FTZs in privileged foreign status pursuant to 19 CFR 146.41, which can affect how and whether those parts enter FTZ production.
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