WTDC Newsletter – April 2, 2025
This week we cover topics such as:
- President’s Corner
- PortMiami visits WTDC
- Global Markets Brace as Trump Tariffs Loom
- SeaTrade Celebrates its 40th Anniversary
- Panama Canal transit slots for greener vessels
- WTDC Internship Program
- Tariffs and FTZ Article from Sean Gazitua in Travel Markets Insider
President’s Corner
The global trade community will be tuning in to the Trump Administration’s announcement of tariffs at 4 pm EDT.
While limited details are available about which tariffs will be announced, WTDC will be monitoring the developments and we welcome any questions you may have. WTDC’s FTZ can be a useful tool for companies looking to mitigate the impact of tariffs and taxes.
Stay healthy,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO
Global Markets Brace as Trump Tariffs Loom
The global financial community braces for President Trump’s highly anticipated tariff announcement on April 2, which he dubbed “Liberation Day,” markets remain on high alert.
The anticipated tariffs, targeting commodities like auto parts and cellphones, have heightened investor uncertainty due to limited available details. This pivotal move could have significant implications for corporate earnings, global economic growth, and inflation, potentially influencing Federal Reserve interest rate policies.
Stakeholders are advised to stay tuned for the announcement, scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT, as it could signal major shifts in international trade dynamics.
Reuters: Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariff plan puts markets on high alert
SeaTrade Celebrates its 40th Anniversary
This year, the SeaTrade Global Conference celebrates its 40th year anniversary from April 7th-10th in Miami Beach. SeaTrade provides opportunities to connect with global cruise community leaders, delve into emerging trends, and gain valuable insights.
Panama Canal transit slots for greener vessels
The Panama Canal Authority is reserving a weekly transit slot for neo-panamax ships that meet low carbon emission standards. Starting October 5th, the initiative won’t involve an auction, but be determined through a competitive process 30 days before the desired transit date. The “Net Zero Slot” caters to vessels with dual-fuel engines that maintain below 75 gCO2(e)/MJ. Winners will enjoy flexible scheduling within the week of transit, 24-hour transit time, and-just-in-time service.
Chamber of Shipping: Panama Canal Authority to designate special transit slots for greener vessels
PortMiami visits WTDC
On April 1, representatives from PortMiami visited WTDC to foster a closer partnership between PortMiami, the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Grantee, and WTDC, the FTZ Operator.
Attendees included Eric Olafson, Sonless Martin, Stanley Rigaud, and Baltazar Jacques from PortMiami. The primary aim was to enhance mutual understanding of each operation and identify potential synergies that could benefit both parties.
An exciting prospect is PortMiami’s positioning as the First In Stop for multiple cargo vessels, promising quicker times to market.
WTDC Internship Program
Welcome Paulo Palma, WTDC Accounting Intern! Mr. Palma is an Accounting major at FIU College of Business, on track to graduate spring 2026.
Welcome to the team!
Tariffs and FTZ Article from Sean Gazitua in Travel Markets Insider
WTDC President and CEO Sean Gazitua discussed the significant impact of U.S. tariffs on international trade in this Travel Markets Insider article.
Gazitua highlights how Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), such as WTDC, play a role in helping companies mitigate these tariffs by allowing the importation, storage, and processing of goods without immediate duty payments:
“U.S. Foreign Trade Zones, such as WTDC, assist companies with mitigating tariffs by allowing goods to be imported, stored, processed, or assembled without immediately incurring customs duties. FTZs are secure areas under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) supervision and are considered outside CBP territory. FTZs have streamlined customs documentation and procedures, reducing paperwork and improving the time it takes to bring cargo from the port or airport into the FTZ.
In an FTZ, companies can defer, reduce, or even eliminate tariffs on goods that are re-exported or used in manufacturing.”
If you are interested in FTZ services or have any inquiries please feel free to contact us. Read more below!
TMI: Will tariffs impact duty free and travel retail shipping?
