International Trade Organizations

Listed below are a selected group of organizations that help businesses engage in international trade. In addition, local international trade organizations are abundant throughout the United States. These groups usually meet on a regular basis, sponsor seminars and support their members' international trade interests. Contact the Federation of International Trade Associations (see below) for the international trade association in your area.

          American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI)
          11 West 42nd Street
          New York, NY 10036
          Phone: 212/944-2230
          FAX: 212/382-2606

AAEI provides its member firms with information on trade regulations, legislation and international developments affecting business through weekly and quarterly publications. AAEI also testifies before Congress and other levels of government to address international trade related problems. Membership consists of multinational, medium- and small-size firms representing a broad cross section of industry sectors.

          U.S. Chamber of Commerce of the United States
          International Division
          1615 H Street, N.W.
          Washington, D.C. 20062
          Phone: 202/463-5460
          FAX: 202/463-3114

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce represents American business. It lobbies the U.S. government for specific trade policies and sponsors a number of conferences. The U.S. Chamber also supports a number of country- or regional-specific Chambers of Commerce.

          National Association of Export Companies (NEXCO)
          P.O. Box 1330, Murray Hill Station
          New York, NY 10156
          Phone: 212/725-3311
          FAX: 212/725-3312

Membership consists of exporting companies. The organization holds monthly meetings in New York, although membership is nationwide, and communicates through a monthly newsletter.

National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA)

          One World Trade Center, Suite 1153
          New York, NY 10048
          Phone: 212/432-0050
          FAX: 212/432-5709

NCBFAA, a membership organization of customs brokers and forwarders, sells its membership list, which can assist in locating customs brokers and freight forwarders in your area.

          National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC)
          1625 K Street, N.W.
          Washington, D.C. 20006
          Phone: 202/887-0278
          FAX: 202/452-8160

NFTC's membership consists of about 500 U.S. manufacturing corporations and service companies having international operations or interests.

          Small Business Exporters Association (SBEA)
          4603 John Taylor Court
          Annandale, VA 22003
          Phone: 703/642-2490
          FAX: 703/750-9655

SBEA is a trade association representing small- and medium-size exporters.

          United States Council for International Business
          1212 Avenue of the Americas, 21st Floor
          New York, NY 10026
          Phone: 212/354-4480
          FAX: 212/575-0327

The Council, a membership organization, is the U.S. affiliate of the International Chamber of Commerce, which monitors and facilitates trade worldwide. The Council also oversees the Interstate Commerce Commission's Temporary Admission Carnet System, which simplifies customs procedures governing the temporary exportation of commercial product samples.

          World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
          One World Trade Center, 35th Floor
          New York, NY 10048
          Phone: 212/432-2626
          FAX: 212/488-0064

WTCs are located around the world, including Centers throughout the United States and Mexico. One of the ways in which WTCs encourage global trade is through the World Trade Centers' trade lead data bank and messaging system, NETWORK. World Trade Center members receive office support services, consultant services, conferences and reciprocal membership services at WTCs globally.

          Federation of International Trade Associations (FITA)
          1851 Alexander Bell Drive
          Reston, VA 22091
          Phone: 703/391-6108

FITA can assist you in locating an international trade association in your geographic area.