Corning Files Again for Fiber Optic Tax Break
Published Date: 7/1/2026
Notice
Summary
Corning Optical Communications wants to start making fiber optic cables in their North Carolina factories using special foreign materials that usually have a 6.7% tax. By doing this inside a Foreign-Trade Zone, they can save money on taxes and speed up production. People have until August 10, 2026, to share their thoughts on this plan.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Make fiber cables inside FTZ duty-free
Corning Optical Communications has asked to produce fiber optic cables inside Foreign-Trade Zone Subzone 57H at Newton and Hickory, North Carolina. The finished fiber optic cables are listed as duty-free while the imported optical fiber component carries a 6.7% duty rate; the company filed the notification on June 25, 2026.
Section 122 admission requirement applies
The notification states the optical fiber component is subject to duties under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, and that applicable Section 122 decisions require subject merchandise to be admitted to FTZs in privileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.41). This requirement depends on the country of origin of the material.
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