Vision and Mission
The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) works alongside members to achieve tangible benefits to the trade community—promoting efficiency, economy, and professionalism in global trade through advocacy, education, and networking. For more than 100 years AAEI has been he national voice of American business, and all those engaged in the export and import of goods, in support of fair and open trade among nations.
We Make Global Trade Happen
AAEI is renowned for its expertise in international trade policy, customs, and export controls, serving as the sole national association exclusively advocating for American exporters and importers. It engages with U.S. agencies, Congress, the trade community, international bodies, and foreign governments.
Spanning the Spectrum of Global Trade
AAEI represents a wide array of members from manufacturers, distributors, and retailers across sectors such as chemicals, electronics, machinery, automotive, food, consumer goods, and textiles, to service providers in trade like carriers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, banks, attorneys, and insurers. This diverse membership affords AAEI significant credibility with policymakers, positioning it as a leading advocate against trade restrictions and protectionism, highlighting their impact on the U.S.—the world's largest consumer market and exporter.
Forging Partnerships
AAEI collaborates closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to enhance the efficiency and profitability of U.S. companies in international trade. It engages with key agencies like the Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and monitors and works alongside the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), International Trade Commission (ITC), State Department, Export-Import Bank, Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), and Department of Transportation (DOT), among others, to influence regulatory and policy developments affecting trade.
