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Trade & Export Resources

As a major hub for trade and exports, Tacoma-Pierce County impacts the global economy.
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A large cargo ship carries industrial cranes in the Tacoma port
A crane loads a cargo ship in the port of Tacoma
Construction equipment sits in a lot in Tacoma
Image of the port of Tacoma with Mt. Rainier in the background
Aerial view of the Tacoma port
  • World Trade Center Tacoma
  • Export Assistance, Washington State Department of Commerce
  • Northwest Seaport Alliance
  • Foreign Trade Zone
  • Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (NWTAAC)
  • U.S. Export Assistance Center
World Trade Center Tacoma
A man examining data on a computer in Tacoma
World Trade Center Tacoma

World Trade Center Tacoma

Located in downtown Tacoma, World Trade Center Tacoma (WTCTA) aims to make the Pacific Northwest the best place for international business. WTCTA is part of the worldwide network of World Trade Centers and helps local businesses succeed in the global market. Learn more.

Export Assistance, Washington State Department of Commerce
A large cargo ship carries industrial cranes in the Tacoma port
Export Assistance, Washington State Department of Commerce

Export Assistance, Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce offers Export Assistance to Washington State businesses that want to begin exporting or expand their existing export activities. The department’s experienced trade team provides a range of support services, including advocacy, consulting, risk mitigation, market research, trade missions and trade show support, business matchmaking and custom programs. Learn more.

Northwest Seaport Alliance
A crane loads a cargo ship in the port of Tacoma
Northwest Seaport Alliance

Northwest Seaport Alliance

The Northwest Seaport Alliance delivers less congestion, closer proximity to Asia and deep ties to Alaska, as well as award-winning ease of doing business. With naturally deep-water harbors and the ability to handle a wide range of cargo, the Northwest Seaport Alliance is ideally suited to meet the growing needs of trans-Pacific trade. Learn more.

Foreign Trade Zone
Construction equipment sits in a lot in Tacoma
Foreign Trade Zone

Foreign Trade Zone

The Port of Tacoma’s Foreign Trade Zone #86 gives importers and exporters a flexible way to ship, store, manipulate and add value to goods while delaying or eliminating payment of U.S. Customs duties. Manufacturers, retailers and logistics companies have been enjoying the perks of FTZ #86 since 1983. Learn more.

Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (NWTAAC)
Image of the port of Tacoma with Mt. Rainier in the background
Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (NWTAAC)

Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (NWTAAC)

Sponsored by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (NWTAAC) provides match-funding to help U.S. companies compete with foreign imports. The NWTAAC can pay 75% of the cost of developing a new strategy. Eligible companies must demonstrate a decline in sales or production of a major product, a decline in employment, and some evidence that the declines are due to competition from imports. Learn more.

U.S. Export Assistance Center
Aerial view of the Tacoma port
U.S. Export Assistance Center

U.S. Export Assistance Center

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Export Assistance Center provides business assistance to companies looking to export products internationally. The Export Assistance Center offers market research, international company background checks, and one-one-one appointments with carefully selected potential business partners in a targeted export market. Learn more.

Contact

Contact our experienced staff to learn more about locating your business in Tacoma-Pierce County.

Maddie Merton Vice President, Business Retention and Expansion maddie@edbtacomapierce.org (253) 284-5891 Get In Touch

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