About AAEI
The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI)—the premier organization representing a community of U.S. professionals and companies engaged in global trade.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
When I began my tenure as President and CEO of AAEI, I was excited for the opportunity to support U.S. companies grow their operations globally. At AAEI, I am fortunate to be part of a community of forward-thinking executives committed to improving international trade. It’s an honor to lead the only national association dedicated entirely to representing the evolving interests of U.S. exporters and importers before regulatory bodies and U.S. and foreign government agencies — and it’s a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. Trade touches everyone. This is why fostering connections in the trade community is paramount to what we do at AAEI.
We facilitate opportunities for trade experts, thought leaders, and service providers to speak with government regulators and policymakers to support fair and open trade globally. Through advocacy, education, and networking, we provide resources to help members remain compliant and manage the risks associated with international trade.
AAEI members face an array of challenges in their work, including social compliance and mitigating health risks in their supply chains, while also ensuring employee rights are upheld. Joining AAEI gives you a network of experts and peers who are committed to resolving these challenges, helping companies like yours to save time and money. Our committee meetings and member communications help members stay up to date on upcoming changes in trade regulations, providing operational cost savings and business certainty. AAEI’s networking and benchmarking opportunities provide members with a diverse network of trade professionals navigating the same issues that you may be dealing with.
AAEI’s events put you in front of regulators and government officials, as well as trade compliance and policy experts. Our Annual Conference & Expo and Benchmarking Roadshows bring the conversation to you, and our educational opportunities and substantive committees provide trade compliance education for internal staff development and training
If your company is involved in global trade or you are a service provider, or if you have an interest in trade policy, I encourage you to learn more about AAEI membership and consider joining our community. I hope to see you soon at an upcoming event, online, or on Capitol Hill.
OUR HISTORY
For more than 100 years, the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) has represented the unique interests of those within the global trade industry. Initially established to protect and advocate for U.S.-based exporters and importers looking to improve international trade and global supply chains, today the organization represents the entirety of this community—continuing its original mandate to make trade “secure, efficient, and open.”
AAEI supports companies engaged in international trade, supply chain security, export controls, non-tariff barriers, import safety, and more. Members are therefore part of a diverse network, including compliance and trade industry thought leaders, and gain access to a wide range of resources, networking, and educational opportunities. Coming together to navigate trade-related challenges by sharing best practices, offering practical solutions, and presenting before the governing bodies regulating global trade and custom activities is how AAEI continues its long history of making global trade happen.
Connecting through Advocacy, Education, and Networking
Advocacy
Advocating for free and fair trade, members of the association act as a sounding board for industries and companies involved in global trade—testing the validity and likely success of emerging trade policy and technology, as well as sharing related best practices. Engage with a community of thought leaders, policy makers, and change agents from multiple industries, and add your voice to an organization steeped in history with an eye to the future.
Education & Networking
Engagement happens when we come together. AAEI provides ongoing educational and professional development via in-person and virtual events, as well as through the opportunity to join substantive committees. Leveraging relationships built over a long history with partner organizations like the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) and governmental agencies, AAEI is smartly positioned to bring together its diverse membership to discuss evolving trade policy and best practices.
Through conferences like the Annual Expo, webinars, Benchmarking Roadshows, and seminars, the association informs and facilitates connections between industry peers, service providers, and government representatives.
