NEW ORLEANS, LA — The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the expansion of its Federal Trade Zone (FTZ No. 2) service area to include St. Tammany Parish, broadening the Port’s reach beyond Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes.
This strategic expansion strengthens Southeast Louisiana’s global trade network, helping attract new investment, support regional economic growth, and create jobs across the region.
“Expanding our Federal Trade Zone into St. Tammany Parish gives businesses another tool to boost competitiveness and generate new jobs,” said Beth Branch, Port NOLA President and CEO. “This milestone reflects our commitment to strengthening Louisiana’s position in international trade.”
A Federal Trade Zone allows companies to defer, reduce, or eliminate customs duties on imported goods, offering valuable supply chain and tax advantages. With the addition of St. Tammany Parish, more businesses will now have access to these trade benefits.
Through its partnership with the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation (St. Tammany EDC), Port NOLA aims to foster new opportunities for growth on the Northshore while driving increased commerce throughout the state.
“The expansion of FTZ No. 2 highlights the power of regional collaboration,” said Russell Richardson, President and CEO of St. Tammany EDC. “This designation strengthens St. Tammany’s role as a hub for commerce and logistics in Southeast Louisiana and opens doors for companies to expand and compete globally.”
Port NOLA’s FTZ No. 2, established in 1946, now includes more than 30 designated sites across Greater New Orleans. The program supports U.S. companies engaged in international trade by allowing them to store, assemble, manufacture, or process goods within a secure customs-controlled area—delaying or reducing duties until goods enter U.S. commerce.
“Ultimately, this expansion is about ensuring our businesses can compete and thrive,” Branch added. “We’re proud to work alongside St. Tammany leaders to create long-term economic opportunities that benefit our entire region.”
About the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA)
Port NOLA is a modern multimodal gateway for global commerce and one of the nation’s top cruise ports. Located on the Mississippi River near the Gulf of Mexico, it connects to more than 30 major inland hubs via 14,500 miles of waterways, six Class I railroads, and interstate highways. Learn more at www.portnola.com.
About St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation (St. Tammany EDC)
St. Tammany EDC serves as the primary resource for business development in St. Tammany Parish, offering services in site selection, incentives, workforce development, and business retention. Since 2018, the organization has supported over $291 million in capital investment and 2,299 new and retained jobs. Visit sttammanyedc.org.
Media Contact:
Kimberly Curth
kimberly.curth@portnola.com
(504) 388-4898
Photo Credit: Douglas Rissing
