Membership
Why AAEI Membership is right for you...
The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) is a non-profit, non-political, trade association representing the community of U.S. professionals and companies engaged in international trade. AAEI members are tasked with ensuring compliance with global trade laws as well as compliance within their own organizations. Here, they connect through the advocacy, educational, and networking opportunities facilitated by AAEI membership. As global trade and the role of compliance departments grow, so does our membership, which includes exporters and importers from all major industries, as well as trade services providers like freight forwarders, customs brokers, advisors and law firms, and technology companies.
Your company is qualified to become a member if it has:
- a U.S. presence (meaning it operates or does business in the United States),
- at least one employee, and
- the ability to pay reasonable annual dues.
Member Benefits
AAEI provides unmatched opportunities to advocate for the trade industry through its advocacy efforts in Washington, DC; facilitating educational opportunities for members through historic partnerships; and connecting a diverse community of international trade professionals on the important issues of the day.
A Commitment to Advocacy
AAEI works on behalf of its members to eliminate regulatory and legislative friction to trade and customs.
AAEI connects a diverse network of technical experts, thought leaders, and service providers working to comply with — and wanting to help shape — international trade policy, with the government officials, policymakers, and agencies regulating it. As an AAEI member, you’ll be part of a community that vets and presents practical solutions to the challenges facing your industry to Congress, executive agencies, and organizations like the World Trade and World Customs Organizations.
Unparalleled Networking
AAEI’s meetings and events provide opportunities to learn about, and collaborate on, practical solutions to challenges within trade.
Trade touches everyone, which is why AAEI works hard to bring a diverse community of industry peers, international trade experts, and thought leaders together in discussion around issues in trade. Networking opportunities also include the ability to connect with government regulators and policymakers, as well as involvement in one of 10 industry-specific committees. Benchmark and collaborate with peers on practical solutions to the problems facing the community and gain valuable insights — while offering your own — to the conversation.
Tailored Education
AAEI’s educational and professional development programs help members stay in-the-know.
Professional development programming is a key benefit of being part of the AAEI community. In addition to the Annual Conference & Expo where members can earn Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), Certified Export Specialist (CES), and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) certifications, we now provide AAEI Roadshows — bringing the conference experience to you — as well as online webinars on top-of-mind trade issues. Also, stay up to date on the news affecting international trade via weekly News Briefs and updates from AAEI.
A Commitment to Advocacy
AAEI works on behalf of its members to eliminate regulatory and legislative friction to trade and customs.
AAEI connects a diverse network of technical experts, thought leaders, and service providers working to comply with — and wanting to help shape — international trade policy, with the government officials, policymakers, and agencies regulating it. As an AAEI member, you’ll be part of a community that vets and presents practical solutions to the challenges facing your industry to Congress, executive agencies, and organizations like the World Trade and World Customs Organizations.
Importers/Exporters
Join forces with fellow compliance executives for industry-led benchmarking and advocacy campaigns. AAEI members learn to navigate new trade challenges from one another when guidance is otherwise scarce or unavailable.
Effective AAEI members can quickly establish themselves as thought leaders in the trade community.
Industry Service Providers
Brokers / Forwarders / Law Firms / Trade Services
Work with AAEI members, many of whom are purchasing decision-makers.
Establish yourself as a substantive expert in the field, and elevate your company’s visibility through AAEI participation.
Working alongside members to create tangible benefits for members and the trade community at large, AAEI recently published our Membership Value for Investment Report.
