Survey Report
TARIFF VOLATILITY IS DRIVING FTZ EXPANSION
AS TECHNOLOGY GAPS CREATE NEW RISK

New Industry Research Revealed

Global trade conditions are changing faster than many operational models can keep pace with. As tariff volatility continues to put pressure on manufacturers, many organizations are rapidly turning to Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs) as a strategic way to manage cost, protect margins, and improve trade flexibility.

As FTZ usage accelerates, operational complexity inevitably increases.

QAD, in conjunction with AWS, partnered with Dimensional Research to survey more than 300 qualified VP and C-level compliance executives from global enterprise organizations to better understand how companies are adapting to this new environment and where operational, compliance, and technology gaps emerge.

Tariff Volatility Is Exposing FTZ Operational Gaps

The research reveals that manufacturers are rapidly adjusting sourcing, inventory movement, and trade operations in response to ongoing trade disruption. At the same time, fragmented and antiquated legacy technologies are creating significant financial and compliance risk. The findings point to increasing pressure around operational scalability, tariff responsiveness, audit readiness, and the AI modernization required to support more complex FTZ environments.

 

Inside the Report

This research explores:
  • The financial impact of ongoing trade volatility
  • The utilization and growth rate of FTZs
  • Where fragmented systems create operational and compliance risk
  • The growing pressure around audit readiness and tariff responsiveness
  • The focus on AI initiatives and modernization efforts

Download the Report

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