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International Trade International trade continues to expand Birmingham's horizons. Today, more than 250 of its companies are actively exporting. These companies' products reflect the diversity of Birmingham's economy, including everything from traditional (fabricated steel and ductile iron pipe) to the cutting edge (medical equipment and pharmaceuticals) to the unusual (fishing lures and fire extinguishers). In 1999 alone, Birmingham companies exported more than $533 million to markets worldwide. And, Alabama's largest exporter, Mercedes-Benz, is located in the area. Throughout the region, several facilities promote Birmingham's active participation in international commerce. Thanks to the Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham is literally one stop from anywhere in the world. The airport also houses a U.S. Customs Port of Entry, an office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and three cargo carriers. Nearby, a broad selection of professional freight forwarders and custom-house brokers further aid the worldwide transpiration of goods. The city's several Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) also enhance Birmingham's international potential. These sites vary in size from the 116 acres at the Birmingham International Airport to the 10 acres at a bonded, full-service warehousing company. Birmingham's FTZ also includes three Special Purpose Manufacturing Subzones for Mercedes-Benz. AF Industries and JVC America. This program encourages international trade by delaying the payments of duties on imported goods until they are shipped for U.S. consumption. No duty is paid on re-exported products.
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