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 — that govern the export and import of goods.

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

June 26-27, 2025 in Washington, DC

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: DHS Spring Agenda

DHS Releases Spring 2024 Agenda July 24, 2024 – DHS released its Spring 2024 Agenda last week. It outlines the status of final and pending regulations from the last several months. AAEI would like to...

Top Stories: Tariffs’ Other Risks

White House: Tariffs as Tax Revenue Risks Inflation and Inequality July 17, 2024 – The White House Council of Economic Advisers released a blog post last week discussing the challenges and...

Top Stories: UFLPA Report

DHS Prioritizes PCV, Aluminum, Seafood in UFLPA Enforcement July 10, 2024 – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced this week that it is adding new high-priority sectors for...

Top Stories: Tariff Changes

Section 301 Tariff Changes Draw Industry Criticism July 3, 2024 – Solar manufacturers requested retroactive relief from Section 301 tariffs on manufacturing equipment last month in response to the...

Top Stories: Illicit Trade

WCO Releases 2023 Illicit Trade Report June 26, 2024 – The World Customs Organization (WCO) released its 2023 Illicit Trade Report today, providing an analysis of global illicit trade trends and...

Top Stories: No VAT Exemption

South Africa Ends Small Package Tax Exemption June 19, 2024 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced this month that it will discontinue its small packages exemption from tax and...

Top Stories: DHS Spring Agenda

DHS Releases Spring 2024 Agenda July 24, 2024 – DHS released its Spring 2024 Agenda last week. It outlines the status of final and pending regulations from the last several months. AAEI would like to...

Top Stories: Tariffs’ Other Risks

White House: Tariffs as Tax Revenue Risks Inflation and Inequality July 17, 2024 – The White House Council of Economic Advisers released a blog post last week discussing the challenges and...

Top Stories: UFLPA Report

DHS Prioritizes PCV, Aluminum, Seafood in UFLPA Enforcement July 10, 2024 – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced this week that it is adding new high-priority sectors for...

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.