Free Trade Zone facility will add significant value to customers' supply chains

APL Logistics announced that it is the first international logistics provider to obtain a license to operate in Taiwan's Kaohsiung Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

The license will enable APL Logistics to offer more streamlined and flexible supply chain services to Taiwan-based customers as well as international customers seeking to optimize their supply chains through hub solutions.

The FTZ was created to promote Taiwan as an Asia Pacific operational headquarters for global companies.

The FTZ license was granted to APL Logistics earlier this year and the company has conducted successful live trials with customers from its Kaohsiung Berth 68 and 69 flow centers for several months. APL Logistics provides customers with a seamless logistics solution, including ocean forwarding, brokerage, warehousing value-added services, and document management.

The FTZ provides numerous benefits, including:

  • Simplified customs procedures
  • Exemption of duty, commodity and sales taxes
  • Most activities exempt from Customs checking, inspection and escort
  • Free movement of commodities within the Kaohsiung FTZ and between other FTZs in Taiwan

Importantly, whereas many FTZs in other countries only allow simple processes such as packaging to take place, Kaohsiung allows in-depth and value-added activities such as manufacturing and assembly.

Brian Lutt, President of APL Logistics, said, 'Our brand new facilities coupled with the special benefits offered by the FTZ add great value to our customers' supply chains that will help them grow their businesses. The FTZ will become a central component of our integrated global logistics infrastructure.'

Wong Siew Loong, Managing Director of APL Logistics in Taiwan, said, 'Since being granted the license, APL Logistics has successfully helped many of our customers leverage the Kaohsiung FTZ facility to optimize their supply chains. We are delighted with the interest it has generated with our customers.'

The FTZ is located at Kaohsiung Port, which is East Asia's major relay hub offering fast and cost-effective connections throughout Asia Pacific.