In response to the evolving trade landscape marked by new tariffs and priorities, the Chicago Field Office (CFO) Trade Division held its second annual Trade Day on June 10 at the Hilton Oak Brook Conference Center in Westmont, Illinois. This event provided a platform for members of the trade community, including importers, brokers, and forwarders, to engage in discussions with interagency participants about international trade.
The theme of this year's event was "Evolving with the Changing Trade Landscape." The gathering allowed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) experts to present on crucial trade topics. Licensed customs brokers had the opportunity to earn continuing education credits for their participation.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Director of Field Operations LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke and Acting Executive Director Shane Campbell. Sutton-Burke discussed the scope of operations within CFO, while Campbell highlighted CBP's efforts in implementing executive orders and supporting the America First Trade Policy. Michael Pfeiffer, Chicago Area Port Director, also presented an overview of local passenger and trade operations.
Attendees engaged with speakers on various topics such as intellectual property rights enforcement, de minimis transactions, Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, and the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT). CTPAT Branch Chief Carlos Ochoa and Acting Director Anne Marie Paul provided insights into developments in their respective programs.
Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum prompted significant discussion. Base Metals Assistant Center Director Michael Dean addressed complex questions from stakeholders during an afternoon session that facilitated one-on-one interactions with CBP representatives.
The afternoon also featured a trade fair format where attendees could explore exhibits from CBP and Partner Government Agencies (PGAs), including K9 demonstrations. Participants included representatives from various Centers of Excellence and Expertise as well as agencies like U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, USDA, FDA, CDC, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and International Trade Administration.
Nearly 200 CBP personnel along with interagency partners attended the event. Chris Yonkman, Assistant Director of Field Operations (Trade), remarked that "Trade Day is a great opportunity for the trade community to understand what CBP is doing in the trade space," emphasizing its importance for stakeholders to engage directly with subject matter experts.
CBP plays a vital role in supporting national security through effective trade enforcement while ensuring a level playing field for American businesses. The agency comprises over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting America across multiple domains while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
