Executive Director of Airforwarders Assocation Says "Freeze Tariffs, Not Trade"

"We need to freeze tariffs, not trade," said Brandon Fried, executive director of the Airforwarders Association (AfA) to the crowd assembled at the kick off of the CNS Partnership Conference in Miami on Wednesday.

The event, hosted by the Cargo Network Services Corporation (CNS) May 13-15 at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, centers on the theme "Evolution and Resilience: Keys to the Future of US Air Cargo."

The networking event for the US air cargo industry brings together around 700 stakeholders and representatives from across the air cargo value chain, creating a forum for discussion and debate. 

In his welcome address on Wednesday morning, Fried urged the stabilization of tariffs while the Trump administration’s trade negotiations continue.

"Tariffs aren't bad for the supply chain, but erratic policy is," he stated.

The US government has announced wide ranging tariffs on almost all nations following Trump's inauguration, starting with a 25% tariff on almost all Mexican and Canadian goods in February this year.

“We understand these tariffs were initially set to balance the trade deficit of foreign goods entering the US, and that tariffs are a commonplace mechanism of international trade.

“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.

Fried noted the expertise of forwarders is being put to the test by rapidly changing policy.

“We need to invest in our infrastructure and security," he said. "Our ability to trade is crucial in today’s geopolitical landscape, and the US transportation and logistics sector has always been a proud partner of US 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 US is open for business, both domestically and internationally.”

The CNS Partnership event highlights how air cargo positively contributes to the socio-economic development of the world and plays a critical role in overcoming extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters or humanitarian crisis.

Globally, on an average day, 180,000 tonnes of goods reach their destination by air, driving growth, creating jobs, and spreading prosperity.

As shown in the Value of Aviation Report for the USA, 34.0 million tonnes of air cargo were handled in the USA on an annual basis in 2023.

This year’s host city, Miami, is home to the number one airport for international air cargo in the USA. MIA is the top-ranking global freight hub for the distribution of perishable products, hi-tech commodities, telecommunications equipment, textiles, pharmaceuticals and industrial machinery. Over 90 airlines connect MIA to a global route network of 210 cities across five continents.

Stay tuned for more reports from CNS Partnership in the coming days.