Texas Plans Nuclear Reactors in a Tariff-Free Zone
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
Fermi Inc. wants to build modular nuclear and natural gas power plants in Panhandle, Texas, using some imported parts that could have taxes or fees. This plan could save money and speed up production by using special Foreign-Trade Zone rules. The government is reviewing the request, which was filed on June 2, 2026, and could impact how these power plants are made and how much they cost.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Imported Parts: Duty Rates Listed
The notice lists many imported components for the Panhandle, Texas facility with duty rates that range from duty-free to 6.7%. If you import any of the listed parts (for example, turbines, transformers, or stainless steel tubes) for the FTZ 252 project, those shipments will be assessed at rates within that range.
Some Parts Subject to Trade-Remedy Duties
The request says certain materials/components may be subject to duties under Section 122 (Trade Act of 1974), Section 232 (Trade Expansion Act of 1962), or Section 301 (Trade Act of 1974) depending on their country of origin. Those decisions require affected merchandise to be admitted to foreign-trade zones in privileged foreign status under 19 CFR 146.41.
Proposed FTZ Production for Power Plants
Fermi Inc. submitted a notification (received June 2, 2026) proposing production activity within Foreign-Trade Zone 252 in Panhandle, Texas to construct a modular nuclear power plant facility and a natural gas power plant facility. The FTZ Board is accepting public comments through July 21, 2026 while it reviews the request.
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