Free-Trade Zones

Most trading nations, including the U.S and Ecuador, now have one or more free-trade zones. Free-trade zones permit companies to ship goods into a country and then export them to their ultimate destination, without paying a duty (A duty, however, is still paid when the goods reach their ultimate destination). The nearly 150 free-trade zones in the U.S. and the four free-trade zones in Ecuador are generally used for assembly, distribution, manufacturing, and transshipping of goods.

Metrozona S.A. is the company that administers Quito's Metropolitan Free Trade Zone. Companies that operate within the trade zone receive beneifts, such as tax exemption, infrastructure and logistical advantages, and 24-7 security.