Port of Cleveland Partners with Lorain County to Activate First Foreign Trade Zone

LORAIN COUNTY, OH — Lorain County has officially activated its first Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) site, marking a major step forward in expanding the county’s global trade capacity and strengthening its regional competitiveness. The new FTZ, operated by Trademark Global LLC, was formally activated on January 27, 2026, and is now fully operational.

The initiative was made possible through collaboration between the Port of Cleveland (FTZ Grantee #40), Trademark Global LLC, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, and the Lorain County Community Development Department.

“This milestone marks an important step forward for Lorain County’s economic growth. The activation of our first Foreign Trade Zone strengthens our ability to attract new investment, support existing businesses, and enhance the county’s competitiveness in the global marketplace,” said Dave Moore, President of the Lorain County Board of Commissioners. “We are proud to partner with the Port of Cleveland on an initiative that creates new opportunities for job creation and long-term regional prosperity.”

The FTZ will primarily provide cash-flow relief for Trademark Global, LLC by deferring tariff payments an increasingly valuable tool in a high-tariff environment. The site will support ecommerce distribution and warehousing operations and serve as a platform for other local businesses that can benefit from FTZ advantages without the need to establish their own site. Trademark Global offers 1.4 million square feet of activated warehouse space, with storage available immediately.

The FTZ is also expected to contribute to local job creation, adding one to two full-time positions for every 1,000 pallets stored

“Trademark Global is proud to have the first FTZ in Lorain County, Ohio,” said Jason Dietz, Chief Financial Officer. “With it, we have made our business more resilient to the economic climate, improved our working capital, and will offer FTZ economic benefits to other businesses where we can mutually benefit.”

As the region’s FTZ grantee, the Port of Cleveland oversees a broader multi-county FTZ 40 network and supports businesses throughout Northeast Ohio that seek to leverage FTZ benefits to improve logistics efficiency, reduce duty exposure, and enhance global competitiveness.

“We are thrilled to see Lorain County’s first FTZ site officially activated and ready for use,” said Dave Gutheil, Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Cleveland. “This designation reflects our continued commitment to helping communities and companies throughout Northeast Ohio unlock the advantages of the FTZ program.”

The Trademark Global LLC activation represents the eleventh FTZ client served by the Port of Cleveland and expands FTZ 40 to 28 active sites, including three added through this Lorain County project. With this activation, Lorain County joins a growing network of communities utilizing the FTZ program to strengthen supply chains, attract investment, and support long-term economic growth across the region.

About the Port of Cleveland
The Port of Cleveland is a key economic driver for Northeast Ohio and a vital gateway to international markets via the Great Lakes. As the only local government agency solely dedicated to fostering job creation and economic vitality in Cuyahoga County, the Port combines business-minded agility with responsible public stewardship to strengthen the region’s global competitiveness.

Media Contact:
Kierra Cotton
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Kierra.Cotton@portofcleveland.com
(216) 377-1343