PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 24, 2025
Recent trade policies — notably, tariffs on Canada — would increase prices on gasoline, energy resources and daily groceries. All products except those that fall under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement are subject to 25% tariffs. Then there are tariff-related trade tensions, which could drastically reduce Canadian tourism to our state. Maine businesses rely heavily on tourist activity. However, we have a tool to help offset the adverse effect of tariffs: The U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) program provides businesses that engage in international trade with the means to decrease overall costs and increase supply chain efficiency. In these zones, domestic and foreign merchandise is considered outside of U.S. Customs territory, so businesses can defer, reduce or eliminate customs duties on imported goods. Maine has four active FTZs. ~ Jim Dinkle, FirstPark, Oakland, Maine