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Doña Ana County has won federal approval to expand a foreign trade zone countywide, according to a statement.

The county this week announced that manufacturers that want to take advantage of federal foreign trade zone benefits can now do so anywhere in the county’s 3,804 square miles. Previously, such benefits were limited to the industrial enclave of Santa Teresa.

Companies operating in a designated foreign trade zone are exempt from duties on re-exports, can defer customs duties on imports and have access to streamlined customs procedures, among other benefits, according to the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board.

Existing and new businesses can access the benefits, according to the county.

The designation is expected to draw manufacturing, warehousing and distribution businesses to the area, the county said.