Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association, addresses this year’s CNS Partnership Conference in Miami, Florida.
The Airforwarders Association is calling for stability amid waves of import tariffs announced by the U.S. Government
Miami, U.S., Wednesday 14th May 2025: Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association (AfA) called upon the U.S. Government to freeze tariffs, not trade, as the Trump administration’s trade negotiations continue, while speaking at this year’s CNS Partnership Conference in Miami.
“We understand that these tariffs were initially set to balance the trade deficit of foreign goods entering the U.S., and that tariffs are a commonplace mechanism of international trade,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, the Airforwarders Association.
“The instability caused, however, by mass tariff implementation, negotiation, and bilateral agreements, as well as inevitable disputes over high rates, has hit our industry, and we need to freeze tariffs, not our ability to trade.
“The expertise of our forwarders is being put to the test, as we are having to find solutions that can be obsolete in a matter of days or weeks.”
Since the beginning of 2025, the U.S. Government has announced wide ranging tariffs on almost all nations, starting with a 25 percent tariff on almost all Mexican and Canadian goods in February this year.
“We need to invest in our infrastructure and security,” continued Fried.
“Our ability to trade is crucial in today’s geopolitical landscape, and the U.S. transportation and logistics sector has always been a proud partner of U.S. industry, delivering our import and export capabilities globally.
“We are ready to work with the Trump administration to support this and most importantly to make sure the U.S. is open for business, both domestically and internationally.”
Fried addressed attendees at this year’s CNS Partnership Conference in Miami, Florida, as leading industry representatives met to discuss the latest industry issues and trends.
About the Airforwarders Association
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) represents hundreds of U.S companies dedicated to moving cargo through the supply chain on all modes of transport.
AfA has been supporting member companies of all sizes for 35 years, acting as the voice of the industry and lobbying legislators to help drive sustainable practices and ensure resilient, safe, secure supply chains.
As an alliance of indirect air carriers, cargo airlines and related businesses operating across the global transportation community, we represent member companies dedicated to moving air cargo through the supply chain.
Our members include not only air forwarders, but truckers, airlines, warehouse operators and businesses delivering a range of supporting services including technology, training, compliance, insurance and legal, just to name a few industries.
From campaigning for better national infrastructure to opening discussions about carbon reductions and digitilization – AfA has promoted hundreds of its members and streamlined business models to continue the growing industry.
More information at airforwarders.org/