SLC transfers Foreign-Trade Zone to WTC Utah to boost international trade for Utah businesses
Salt Lake City has officially transferred grantee authority for Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) #30 to World Trade Center Utah, expanding access to a key tool that helps Utah companies reduce costs, streamline customs processes, and compete globally.
Since 1977, Salt Lake City has served as the steward of Utah’s FTZ. Following a unanimous vote by the Salt Lake City Council and formally approved by the Foreign-Trade Zones Board, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, administrative responsibility has now transitioned to World Trade Center Utah.
This transition expands access to one of Utah’s most valuable trade tools, and we’re focused on helping more companies put it to work. The FTZ program allows eligible businesses to defer, reduce, or eliminate customs duties on imported goods — a powerful advantage for manufacturers, distributors, and exporters managing international supply chains.
To mark the milestone, we celebrated the transfer with Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Council Member Victoria Petro, and Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jefferson Moss — building on the City’s legacy and launching a new phase of growth for the FTZ.
“Salt Lake City built it [FTZ program]. World Trade Center Utah is now expanding it. We’re proud to carry that legacy forward — and we’re focused on making sure more Utah companies can benefit, especially at a time when those savings and flexibilities matter more than ever.”
About World Trade Center Utah
World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) is a private, nonprofit organization that accelerates growth for Utah companies through its global networks, programs, and services. Our WTC Utah team is located in Salt Lake City and South Korea (GOEO Asia partnership in Seoul). WTC Utah administers the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant funding for Utah and has helped companies across the state actualize their global potential since 2007. For more information, visit wtcutah.com or follow @WTCUtah on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook.