The Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development has issued a notice to businesses operating within Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #255, advising them to prepare for possible significant changes to import tariffs. These changes are anticipated as the incoming Trump Administration considers issuing numerous executive orders that could increase tariffs on imported goods by 20% to 60%, depending on their country of origin.
Continues after this brief message…
Did you know? Paid supporters get a reduced ad experience!

We know you value local news and entertainment that is free, open, and independent. Producing high-quality, paywall-free content isn't free. It takes time, effort, and resources to keep you informed and entertained. Unlike corporate media, we don’t have deep-pocketed investors or big advertisers funding our work—we rely on you, our readers and listeners, to keep Radio Free Hub City running. We're literally running on a shoe-string budget, but keep working hard to provide as much news and entertainment as we can.
If just 5% of local area residents became paid supporters at only $5 per month, we could meet our fundraising goals and continue expanding our news coverage depth while continuing to provide free access for everyone. So, if you'd like to help us in our continuing quest to improve our coverage, please consider becoming a paying supporter.
Will you be one of the 5%?
Thank you for supporting Radio Free Hub City!
The department emphasized the potential impact on businesses of all sizes, cautioning that higher import costs could affect financial performance across various industries. To address these challenges, businesses are encouraged to take proactive measures, such as reviewing the status of their goods, updating customs filings, and leveraging available FTZ strategies to minimize exposure to increased tariffs.
Among the recommended actions, businesses are advised to immediately file customs consumption entries for goods expected to arrive after January 20, assess the origin of goods to verify tariff obligations, and comply with the FTZ five-day rule to avoid penalties. Companies are also urged to explore weekly FTZ entry options and consult with trade professionals to identify the most effective mitigation strategies for their specific operations.
Article continues after these messages…
While other outlets focus on getting quotes from politicians who don't even live in our congressional district, we're focused on providing the hard-hitting truths and facts without political spin. We don't lock our news behind a paywall, will you help us keep it that way? If you're tired of news sweetened with confirmation bias, consider becoming a monthly supporter. But if you're not, that's fine too—we're confident in our mission and will be here if you decide you're ready for the truth. Just $5/month helps fund our local reporting, live election night coverage, and more.
Become a paid supporter for reduced ad experience!
For pharmaceutical manufacturers, the notice highlighted limited opportunities for inverted tariff savings within FTZs, underscoring the need for industry-specific planning. The department encourages businesses to contact FTZ consultants or legal counsel to navigate these potential changes and avoid disruptions to their operations.
Assistance and resources are available through the Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development. Businesses are encouraged to reach out to Linda Spence, Financial Programs Administrator, for further guidance.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors.
Do you believe we got something wrong? Please read our publishing standards and corrections policy.
Did you know? Supporters get a reduced ad experience!
Sponsored Articles
Get daily and breaking news for Washington County, MD area from Radio Free Hub City. Sign up with your email today!
Paid supporters have a reduced ad experience!
Discover more from Radio Free Hub City
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.











