Trade Associations & Trade Policy

8 snips

Aug 6, 2025

Ed Brzytwa, Vice President of International Trade at the Consumer Technology Association, offers valuable insights on the role of trade associations in shaping trade policy. He highlights how these associations empower businesses, especially small ones, by providing access to policymakers and essential advocacy tools. The conversation uncovers the impact of personal stories in influencing decisions and the necessity of member engagement for successful advocacy. Brzytwa also shares tips on leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and embracing AI to stay updated and enhance productivity in a rapidly changing trade landscape.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Trade Associations' Full Role

Trade associations provide far more than events; they offer networking, advocacy, research, and access to policymakers.
They help small businesses gain critical insights and influence trade policy effectively.

ADVICE

Participate to Influence Policy

Actively engage in trade association working groups and policy committees to shape advocacy.
Regular participation and shared leadership make your voice influential in trade policy.

ANECDOTE

Fly-In Empowers Members' Voices

CTA launched a new trade-specific fly-in allowing members to speak directly to policymakers on trade issues.
Small businesses sharing tariff impact stories help humanize policy debates and influence decisions.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall chats with Ed Brzytwa, Vice President of International Trade at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). With experience spanning the Department of Commerce, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and multiple trade associations, Ed brings deep insight into the intersection of trade policy and industry interests. The episode focuses on the often-overlooked power of trade associations—not just as event hosts, but as strategic connectors, advocates, and policy influencers.

Ed explains how trade associations like CTA provide businesses—especially small ones—with critical access to policymakers, tools for advocacy, and insider knowledge on fast-evolving trade developments. Listeners will learn how associations help shape trade policy through structured member engagement, regular working group meetings, and coordinated storytelling efforts that bring real-world impact to the attention of decision-makers.

Kim and Ed also explore ways companies can leverage their trade associations to not only stay informed, but to actively influence trade outcomes. From participating in policy committees and fly-ins, to responding to surveys or telling their own tariff-impact stories, Ed emphasizes that member engagement is what makes advocacy successful. The episode wraps with tips on how to stay current in a rapidly changing global trade landscape—from LinkedIn networking to AI-powered info-gathering tools.

This is a must-listen episode for any business involved in international trade or looking to understand how to influence trade policy more effectively through their association.

Key Takeaways:

Trade associations go far beyond events—they provide research, advocacy, networking, and policy influence.
Active member participation in working groups and policy discussions is essential to shaping effective trade advocacy.
Small businesses can—and should—play a critical role in informing trade policy by sharing their experiences.
Tools like newsletters, websites, and LinkedIn can help professionals stay up to date on rapidly changing trade issues.
Storytelling is a powerful tool in influencing policymakers—companies that speak up can shape the future of trade.

Episode Sponsors:

If you liked this episode - Buy Me a Coffee - it’s a great way to help us cover the out of pocket costs. LINK: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kimkirkendall

Acclime China:

https://china.acclime.com/

Corporate Services and full Accounting/CPA/Tax for Chi

Website: www.intltraderesources.com

Email: intltradepodcast@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or commercial advice. We provide no guarantee for the accuracy of the information provided. Reproduction or transmission of this podcast is strictly prohibited.