A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a geographic area within the U.S. where foreign and domestic merchandise are considered to be within the realm of international commerce and as such, not within U.S. Customs territory. Any foreign or domestic merchandise not otherwise prohibited by law may be stored in a FTZ for an unlimited period of time. This allows merchandise to be stored duty-free indefinitely while waiting for receptive markets and favorable sales opportunities.

Central Texas currently has approximately 2,854 acres in Foreign Trade Zone 183. Nine different sites are located in Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Round Rock and San Marcos. Each site has excellent access to ground transportation and is located within one hour driving distance from Austin. Most of the acreage has direct access to Interstate 35, which is the major north/south artery in Texas and the United States.