---
Federal Maritime Commissioner Carl W. Bentzel is advocating for initiatives to transform Puerto Rico into an offshoring and distribution center for the United States.
“Recent events have prompted many stakeholders in trade, transportation, and supply chain matters to reassess the reliance on manufacturers located in distant nations,” Bentzel stated in Marine Link. “Establishing manufacturing capability closer to our coastlines has become essential for both industry and government leaders.”
The maritime commissioner emphasized that “Puerto Rico stands as a site that, with appropriate incentives and backing, could evolve into a crucial manufacturing and distribution hub catering to the mainland United States.”
“I have reached out to both President Biden and President-elect Trump, urging them to contemplate legislative or administrative measures that would promote investment in the island’s manufacturing and logistics industries,” he mentioned.
After visiting Puerto Rico earlier this year to participate in an event, Bentzel expressed admiration for the numerous benefits the territory possesses. A follow-up discussion in Washington with Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón further solidified his belief that Puerto Rico offers a highly feasible alternative to the People’s Republic of China or Mexico for manufacturing and logistics operations for the mainland.
“The nearness of Puerto Rico to the mainland minimizes transportation distances and enables faster reactions to disruptions,” he indicated. “Moreover, fostering manufacturing in Puerto Rico would lessen America’s dependence on Chinese production. Puerto Rico’s status as a U.S. territory ensures a shared legal and regulatory framework. Additionally, Puerto Rico falls under the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, distinguishing it from Mexico significantly.”
Reaffirming that Puerto Rico “offers a persuasive alternative to all non-U.S. choices for the nearshoring of manufacturing,” Bentzel asserted “[s]upporting the growth of manufacturing in an American territory ought to be a collective priority.”
