Making Global Trade Happen

The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) represents an international community of trade compliance professionals responsible for complying with and influencing the laws — both domestic and global — governing the export and import of goods.

AAEI’s community is growing and working together to make global trade happen.

June 10-12, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, FL

About us

The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) — the premier organization representing the community of
U.S. trade professionals and companies engaged in global trade.
The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) has represented the unique interests of global trade professionals for more than 100 years. AAEI was originally created to support U.S. exporters and importers looking to improve international trade and supply chains. Today, the Association represents the entire community, upholding its mission to make trade “secure, efficient, and open.” AAEI members are part of a growing group of trade compliance professionals, tasked to ensure compliance with U.S. and international laws governing imports, exports, and internal organizational compliance. At AAEI, we amplify members’ voices, working side-by-side to influence laws and regulations that affect daily operations for key industry importers, exporters, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and trade service providers.
AAEI members are part of a diverse network of companies engaged in international trade, supply chain security, export controls, non-tariff barriers, import safety, and more. By facilitating collaboration on trade-related challenges, the sharing of best practices and practical solutions, and presenting before governing bodies regulating trade and customs activities, AAEI fulfills its legacy of making global trade happen. AAEI members are part of a growing group of trade compliance professionals, tasked to ensure compliance with U.S. and international laws governing imports, exports, and internal organizational compliance. At AAEI, we amplify members’ voices, working side-by-side to influence laws and regulations that affect daily operations for key industry importers, exporters, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and trade service providers.

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WHAT WE DO

Through advocacy efforts, top educational offerings, and connecting a diverse community of trade professionals and service providers, AAEI makes global trade happen.

Advocacy

AAEI works on behalf of its members to eliminate regulatory and legislative friction to trade and customs. We connect our members—the technical experts in trade and compliance, industry leaders from Fortune 500 companies, the professionals who shape trade policy—with the government officials and agencies regulating it. AAEI members work together to vet and present practical solutions to the challenges facing U.S. companies involved in global trade.

Education

Professional development and career advancement courses are key benefits of being a part of the AAEI community. AAEI educational courses and member communications help members stay in-the-know. AAEI also offers both in-person events and webinars covering current topics, regulations, compliance requirements, and more.

Networking

AAEI’s meetings and events provide opportunities to learn about practical solutions for problems in trade. Therefore, AAEI members gain access to a diverse community and network of not only industry peers, but international trade experts and thought leaders, as well as government regulators and policymakers. Collaborate with members through AAEI’s substantive committees and discuss practical solutions to the problems facing the community, gaining valuable insights — and offering some of your own — to the conversation.

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our testimonials

More than 200 companies find value in the benefits of AAEI membership. But don’t take our word for it, read what they have to say.

As a member of AAEI, I have access to a diverse network of trade professionals navigating the same issues I am grappling with daily. The connections I’ve made with service providers and government officials actively involved in policy decision-making have been invaluable. I’ve learned so much from members of this community, and I look forward to continuing to make these important connections!

Through my work as a member of the AAEI Trade Policy Committee, I am an active part of the conversation around trade policy and the practical solutions that could bring about positive change and movement within international trade. The committees directly influence and lead AAEI’s advocacy efforts and representation of the community before Congress and other government and foreign agencies. Therefore, I highly recommend getting involved with a committee representing your industry.

AAEI’s Annual Conference & Expo is an event I never miss. No other organization brings together hundreds of trade experts, service providers, and government agencies under one roof to discuss the challenges affecting importers and exporters.

News

The news affecting the international trade community, and the events and programming intended to help you navigate it , no matter the industry

Top Stories: Export Controls Warning

U.S. to Foreign Companies: Take Export Controls Seriously March 13, 2024 – The Department of Justice issued a “Tri-Seal Compliance Note” last week, warning that foreign companies may...

Top Stories: EU Forced Labor Law?

EU Reaches Agreement on Forced Labor Ban March 6, 2024 – Negotiators from the European Parliament and the European Council reached a provisional agreement yesterday to ban products made with...

Top Stories: D&D Billing Rules

FMC Issues Final Rule on Demurrage and Detention Billing February 28, 2024 – The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) published the final rule this week on demurrage and detention (D&D) billing...

Top Stories: New Russia Sanctions

White House: Major New Russia Sanctions Package Coming February 21, 2024 – The Biden Administration announced that a new “major” sanctions package against Russia is coming, as soon...

Top Stories: Trade Preference Program

Report: House Readies Stalled Trade Bill February 14, 2024 – Lawmakers are reportedly expected to introduce trade preference legislation this month that was long delayed. Politico reports today...

Top Stories: Coffee and Labor

McDonald’s and Others Respond to Claims of Forced Labor in Coffee February 7, 2024 – McDonald’s released a statement last week in response to a report by the Netherlands-based Centre for...

Top Stories: Export Controls Warning

U.S. to Foreign Companies: Take Export Controls Seriously March 13, 2024 – The Department of Justice issued a “Tri-Seal Compliance Note” last week, warning that foreign companies may...

Top Stories: EU Forced Labor Law?

EU Reaches Agreement on Forced Labor Ban March 6, 2024 – Negotiators from the European Parliament and the European Council reached a provisional agreement yesterday to ban products made with...

Top Stories: D&D Billing Rules

FMC Issues Final Rule on Demurrage and Detention Billing February 28, 2024 – The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) published the final rule this week on demurrage and detention (D&D) billing...

ADVOCACY

AAEI works on behalf of its members to eliminate regulatory and legislative friction to trade and customs.

AAEI represents U.S. companies on trade policy issues before the U.S. Congress. The Association also advocates before executive agencies and multilateral organizations on trade compliance and operations issues. These include the World Trade Organization and the World Customs Organization. AAEI’s committees are on the front lines, sharing industry practices and leveraging a vast network of experienced colleagues to make policy recommendations that AAEI champions on Capitol Hill. Engage with a community of thought leaders, policymakers, and change agents from multiple industries, and add your voice to the conversation.

AAEI Advocates for you by

  • Presenting before Congress and other legislative bodies on behalf of the community of international trade professionals.
  • Facilitating the exchange of ideas, best practices, and peer benchmarking via 10 industry-specific committees.
  • Forging partnerships with related organizations and governmental agencies involved in trade regulations and policymaking.