An American buyer can inspect and sample foreign goods before buying them and paying duty. Refusal or repair of damaged goods can take place duty and quota free. Foreign goods can be stored for any length of time until they are needed. Cash flow can be improved because duty will be paid only on the portion of the shipment imported into the U.S. from the zone. Indefinite storage in the zone permits importers to import goods now and hold them until the next quota period or until the best price can be obtained on the U.S. market.
American businesses benefit greatly by the existence of foreign trade zones.