Merck Gets Tax Edge for New Jersey Drug Experiments

2026-06264 — Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 83, Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Adtran, Inc.; (Telecommunications Equipment); Huntsville, Alabama

Adtran, Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama, wants to start making telecom gear like optical line termination devices using certain imported parts under special Foreign-Trade Zone rules. This move could save them money on import duties since many parts and finished products are duty-free. The government got their request on March 26, 2026, and is reviewing it to give the green light soon.

2026-06263 — Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 266, Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Tekni-Plex Flexibles, LLC; (Coated Nonwoven Materials for Healthcare Applications); Madison, Wisconsin

Tekni-Plex Flexibles, LLC in Madison, Wisconsin wants to start making special coated materials used in healthcare inside Foreign-Trade Zone 266. This means they can bring in certain foreign materials with lower or no import taxes to make products like cold seal films and coated papers. The change could save money on duties and help the company work faster, starting soon after approval.

2026-06194 — Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 30, Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Stadler US Inc; (Passenger Rolling Stock); Salt Lake City, Utah

Stadler US Inc. in Salt Lake City wants to start making passenger trains and their parts using some imported materials under special trade rules. This move could save money on import taxes and speed up production for commuter and regional rail trains. The government is reviewing this plan, which was officially submitted on March 25, 2026.

2026-05879 — Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 164, Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Webco Industries, Inc.; (Steel Tubing); Kellyville, Oklahoma

Webco Industries in Kellyville, Oklahoma wants to start making steel tubing using special foreign materials under a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) to save on import duties. This change could lower costs by reducing taxes on certain steel parts, with public comments open until May 5, 2026. If approved, Webco can produce welded stainless and nickel alloy steel tubing more efficiently and affordably.

2026-05880 — Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 81, Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Hypertherm Inc; (Plasma Cutting Equipment and Components); Hanover and Lebanon, New Hampshire

Hypertherm Inc. wants to start making plasma cutting parts at its New Hampshire factories using special foreign materials with lower import taxes. This change could save the company money on duties and speed up production. People have until May 5, 2026, to share their thoughts before the plan moves forward.

2026-05285 — Approval of Subzone Status; Centrome Inc. dba Advanced Biotech; Oneonta, New York

Centrome Inc., also known as Advanced Biotech in Oneonta, New York, just got the green light to become a special subzone under Foreign-Trade Zone 37. This means they can enjoy some cool trade benefits while staying within the 2,000-acre limit of FTZ 37. The approval happened on March 13, 2026, and it could help boost their business without extra costs or delays.

Previous: 2025-21297 — Production Activity Not Authorized; Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 50; Logitech; (Audio, Visual, and Gaming Equipment); Ontario, California

Logitech asked to start making audio, visual, and gaming gear at their Ontario, California site inside Foreign-Trade Zone 50, but the government said, "Not yet!" They need to send in a full application to get permission before they can begin production. This means no new manufacturing starts until the paperwork is approved, keeping things on hold for now.

Next: 2025-21299 — Notice of Public Meetings of the Colorado Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

The Colorado Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is holding two public Zoom meetings to review their report on antisemitism at colleges. Anyone interested can join, listen, and even share their thoughts during the open comment time. These meetings happen on December 17, 2025, and January 21, 2026, with no cost to join except possible phone charges.