U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently hosted the 4th Annual Trade and Cargo Security Summit in New Orleans from May 6-8, 2025. The event aimed to strengthen partnerships with the trade community, share updates, and gather industry feedback.
CBP Acting Commissioner Pete Flores emphasized the agency's long-standing mission: “For more than 235 years since the founding of the U.S. Customs Service, CBP has worked to enforce U.S. laws to facilitate legitimate trade and protect the American economy. Our mission is essential to the nation's economic health and ensuring a level playing field for American businesses.”
The summit was co-hosted by CBP’s Office of Trade Relations and the Office of Field Operations, Cargo and Conveyance Security Directorate’s Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program. CCS Acting Executive Director Carl Shane Campbell opened the event with a welcome address focusing on America First Trade policies.
DHS Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar delivered a keynote speech, stating, “The Department of Homeland Security is fulfilling the core of President Trump’s mission to put ‘America First.’ We are strengthening supply chains, promoting investment and productivity, and putting American workers first.”
Participants attended both in person and virtually. The first day featured discussions led by subject matter experts on various topics related to trade security.
A CBP Leadership Townhall concluded Day One with insights from senior leaders including Acting Executive Director Lisa Beth Brown, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas, Executive Assistant Commissioner Casey O. Durst, and Executive Assistant Commissioner Ntina K. Cooper.
Over the next two days, attendees engaged in breakout sessions covering topics such as Broker Awareness, CTPAT Basics, Business Resumption Planning, Forced Labor, Supply Chain Best Practices, Bonded Facilities, Trade Enforcement, De minimis-Newest Developments, Air Cargo Security, Revenue Protection among others.
This year introduced interactive “listening sessions,” enhancing communication between CBP and trade industry members by allowing direct feedback on challenges faced.
Next year's summit is tentatively scheduled for April 28-30 in Dallas.
CBP remains America's frontline law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting national borders while facilitating safe travel and trade.
