Foreign trade zone expands
File photo: REC Silicon's Plant 4 silane unit in Moses Lake. The company recently received approval to become a subzone of the Port of Moses Lake's foreign trade zone, eliminating tariffs and fees for importing and exporting.
MOSES LAKE - REC Silicon in Moses Lake is one business profiting from the Port of Moses Lake's expanded foreign trade zone.
The port was recently approved to extend the radius of its foreign trade. The zone previously was only located within port boundaries.
It means approved companies can import and export products without paying tariffs and fees.
The expansion saves the company 5.3 percent duty costs on imported silicon metal, which is the company's main raw material, REC Silicon Director of Global Sourcing Chris Bowes said Wednesday.
More than 90 percent of the company's product is exported.
REC Silicon imports from Brazil, South Africa, France, Norway and Canada, Bowes said.
He explained the company applied to be a subzone of the Port of Moses Lake's foreign trade zone with the state Department of Commerce (DOC).
Anne Ekern, REC Silicon's communications director, said the savings helps the company become more competitive.
"The more we become competitive as a company, the more secure our jobs are and the more likely we can make investments in Washington state and Moses Lake," she said.
The savings also means the company decreases expenses and makes the company more competitive worldwide, she added.
The designation is among the elements examined when the business evaluates future expansions.
"It's one of many factors, but a positive factor," she said.
REC Silicon may ask for manufacturing authorization for its Butte, Mont. plant, as it's situated on land with foreign trade zone designation.
Port of Quincy Government Affairs Director Pat Boss said the change in the rules will be "very helpful to places like Quincy."
"It will allow Quincy to have potential sites within the foreign trade zone," he said. "If a company in Quincy wanted to be in it, it is very helpful."
The Port of Quincy and City of Quincy requested to be included in the foreign trade zone in May and are awaiting an answer.
Boss Foreign trade zone expands Foreign trade zone expands having more companies and entities participating helps spread the cost.
There are 12 other foreign trade zones in Washington state, but only the one in Eastern Washington, according to the state DOC.
The zones are located in Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, Cowlitz County, Whatcom County, Bellingham, Blaine, Sumas and Grays Harbor.