WTDC Newsletter –
October 31, 2025 –
China & U.S. trade tensions ease
On October 29, in South Korea, the U.S. and China eased trade tensions after a historic meeting between U.S. President Trump and China’s President Jinping. Though a formal trade deal has not be announced, the meeting deescalates looming 100% tariffs on Chinese goods that would have started November 1st. It was announced that the U.S. will lower duties on Chinese goods by 10%, from 57% to 47% – a rollback of the fentanyl tax. Key elements of the negotiations included China’s agreement to stop export controls on rare earth materials as well as China’s agreement to purchase soybeans from the U.S.
BBC: Trump hails ‘amazing’ meeting with China’s Xi but no formal trade deal agreed
President’s Corner
This Halloween, the company decided on a Smurf theme for our annual Halloween party. It’s been fun to see the creative blue costumes of our tenants and employees today.
That same spirit drives our community outreach and the last couple of weeks have been filled with exciting events like the MIA Runway 5k, our tenth annual awarding of the Bandhwari Scholarship at FIU, and my second go-around as President to the FIU Alumni Board of Directors for the Fall Meeting of the Board (pictured below).
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable Halloween!
Best Regards,
Sean Gazitua, President & CEO
Bandhwari Scholarship
Congratulations to Amanda Garcia and Angelica Ramirez, recipients of WTDC’s Bandhwari Scholarship, presented each year to deserving students from FIU’s International Business Honor Society (IBHS) and Florida International University – College of Business.
For a decade now, WTDC has sponsored scholarships for students participating in Bandhwari Women’s Project, an FIU IBHS student led initiative committed to providing economic empowerment to the women of Bandhwari, India.
The initiative aligns with WTDC’s company pillars – supporting community and education. At a speaking engagement in September 2025, Sean Gazitua presented an essay contest of which Ms. Ramirez was the winner. Ms. Garcia is currently a Business Development Intern at WTDC. Both students are actively involved in the Bandhwari Women’s Project Inc. with Ms. Garcia as Director of Operations and Ms. Ramirez as Director of Marketing.
Special thanks to William Hardin, PhD, FRICS, Dean of FIU College of Business, and David Wernick, PhD, Teaching Professor at FIU and Faculty Advisor for IBHS. Dr. Wernick was honored last week with a 2025 Changemaking Education Award from the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of South Florida for his work on the Bandhwari Women’s Project. Congratulations Amanda, Angelica, and David!
Business professor honored for student-led project to empower women in India
MIA Runway 5k
On October 16, WTDC proudly participated in the MIA Runway 5K, supporting the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign. Held right on the runway of Miami International Airport, this unique race shines a light on hope, strength, and awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
We’re especially proud to see growing participation from WTDC team members and their families, reflecting our company pillars of Community and Health & Wellness.
Thank you Daniel Fajardo, WTDC Accounting & Property Manager, for organizing WTDC’s third annual participation in this event.
American Cancer Society – Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Foreign Trade Zone Consulting
Whether you’re seeking to defer, reduce, or even eliminate customs duties, WTDC FTZ Consulting provides the strategic insight and hands-on support needed to make your FTZ activation seamless and profitable.