ADVOCACY
A Century of Trust. A Future of Influence.
AAEI’s advocacy work traces back more than a century to 1921, when the organization, then known as the National Council of American Importers and Traders, held its first annual conference in New York City, with U.S. President Warren G. Harding delivering the keynote address. What began as an effort to help U.S. companies overcome market access challenges and expand into international markets has since evolved into one of the trade community’s most influential and enduring advocacy organizations.
As global trade grew more complex, so did AAEI’s role. AAEI built a reputation as a trusted advocate, representing the interests of manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and trade service providers before Congress, executive agencies, and international bodies including the World Trade Organization and the World Customs Organization.
Today, that century-long legacy continues. As the trade landscape confronts new challenges around tariffs, forced labor enforcement, AI, customs modernization, and more, AAEI remains committed to its founding mission, standing alongside its members to shape the policies and regulations that define the future of global trade
Advocacy and Membership Circular, c. 1929
Our Focus
AAEI’s policy priorities reflect today’s biggest trade issues — tariffs, export controls, supply chain security, forced labor enforcement, and customs modernization. Guided by our membership, we advocate before Congress, agencies, and bodies like the World Trade Organization and World Customs Organization to keep trade policy practical, effective, and aligned with our mission: secure, efficient, open trade.
Our Work in Action
AAEI’s advocacy is reflected in the work of its membership. Review the Association’s submitted comments and letters to Congress, federal agencies, and international bodies, which convey the industry’s perspective on the evolving trade landscape. Explore the committees and working groups through which members contribute expertise, deliberate on priorities, and inform the positions that guide AAEI’s advocacy on matters affecting global trade.
Committees and Working Groups
AAEI’s Trade Focus Committees are where advocacy takes shape. Open to all members in good standing, these committees — spanning Customs Policy, Export Controls, Drawback and Duty Deferral, Industry Verticals, Healthcare, Supply Chain Resiliency, and Trade Policy — meet routinely to tackle top trade issues. Working groups also address emerging priorities like Artificial Intelligence and the Executive Order on Customs Enforcement, giving members a direct hand in shaping AAEI’s response.
Submitted Comments and Letters
AAEI doesn’t just track policy, we help shape it. Explore our formal comments and letters submitted to USTR and other federal agencies, representing the trade community’s perspective on the issues that matter most, including USMCA, tariff actions, and customs enforcement. Read where we stand and the case we’re making on your behalf.
Get Connected
Interested in AAEI? Start here. Complete our membership interest form to learn more about joining a community of trade compliance professionals and industry leaders, or sign up for our weekly newsletter — open to members and non-members alike — for the latest on trade policy, compliance, and AAEI events.