International

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Greater Memphis Chamber International Division

With the world's leading international shipping companies, five class-one railroads, the fourth-largest inland port in America and the world's busiest air cargo airport, Memphis offers the nation's most sophisticated international distribution services. Memphis is the global marketplace for thriving international entities and to cater to these international needs, both domestically and internationally, the Greater Memphis Chamber has developed an International Division.

The International Division at the Greater Memphis Chamber works to educate, eliminate any barriers and expand the domestic interests of our members globally through its re-emerged Memphis International Business Council. The Memphis International Business Council’s committees and task forces help to define the best practices to offer Chamber members and international constituents on the issues that are most critical to a business or organization. To ensure the Chamber is meeting the needs of its members, it will often ask for your views on certain key issues through meetings, mailings, and surveys. This exchange provides valuable insight to the members of our international committees, councils, and task forces.

With abundant, inexpensive real estate and a large, low cost workforce, Memphis offers investment opportunities for foreign companies as well. Recently, Expansion Management Magazine cited Memphis as a top metro area for European expansion. Memphis ranked 28th of 369 U.S. metros in total value of products exported and it is home to major operations for more than 80 foreign-owned companies.

Did you know:

  • Memphis is home to two foreign trade zones and multiple subzones.
  • Memphis is home to the FedEx world hub with fast shipping time around the world.
  • Memphis has a diverse, international culture.
  • Memphis is recognized as one of the fastest growing ports of entry by U.S. Customs.
  • More than 30 international freight forwarders operate in Memphis.
  • FedEx provides daily non-stop service to London, Paris, Toronto, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro and direct service to Tokyo and Hong Kong.
  • Daily non-stop Northwest/KLM flights to Amsterdam and Monterrey, Mexico provide passenger as well as cargo service.
  • All 5 major railroads serve Memphis, each with in-bond container service.

Port of Entry

Memphis is one of North America's fastest-growing ports of entry - surpassing other American seaports in the value of imports clearing US Customs. Quadramodal logistics infrastructure and capabilities - combining air, road, rail, and water - make Memphis an ideal location for importing goods. From Memphis, imported goods can easily and quickly be cleared through customs, warehoused, assembled and distributed throughout North America.

  • From Memphis, FedEx provides daily non-stop air cargo shipments to Toronto, London, Paris, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Tokyo, Hong Kong as well as service to Russia, China and developing markets.
  • More cargo is processed by US Customs at Memphis International Airport than at any other airport in the country
  • 16 full-service custom house brokers have offices in Memphis
  • 2 foreign trade zones with multiple sites
  • Bonded warehousing available throughout Memphis