Are Foreign-Trade Zone Users More Cost Competitive in International Marketing?

Abstract

Foreign-trade zone (FTZ) use by international marketers vrovides them with the mlential to gain cost savings and increak operating efficiencies. However, no empirical research has yet been conducted to examine whether operating cost efficiency is better for international marketers using FTZs (FTZ firms) than those not using FTZs (non-FTZ firms). The operating cost efficiency of FTZ and non-FIZ firms is examined through a comparison of their cost structures. Using translog production functions, the surprising results in this paper suggest that FTZ firms tend to be less efficient than non-FTZ firms. Some possible explanations for this result are advanced, and public policy implications are discussed.