USA-IT Hosts Summit to Combat Illegal Trade: Collaboration is Key

On December 3, 2025, Washington, D.C. played host to critical discussions at the United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT) National Summit. This significant gathering drew over 75 leaders from various branches of government, law enforcement, and the private sector. The key aim was to mobilize support and promote new policies to address the alarming complexities of illegal trade, a multi-faceted criminal enterprise estimated to be worth a staggering $2.2 trillion.

The underground economy encompasses a range of interconnected crimes, such as counterfeiting, organized retail theft, and the trafficking of guns, drugs, and human beings. These illicit activities pose serious risks not only to public safety but also undermine the economic wellbeing of communities across America. Speaking at the event, Alysa Erichs, a spokesperson for USA-IT and former Acting Executive Associate Director for Homeland Security Investigations, emphasized that criminal networks adeptly exploit vulnerabilities in trade and finance systems for profit, showing complete disregard for public safety.

"Law enforcement agencies are relentlessly working to build strategies against these threats that illegal trade imposes on national security and community safety," Erichs remarked. She highlighted that the effectiveness of combating illegal trade is hindered when agencies operate in silos; thus, collaboration between the public and private sectors is imperative for success.

The summit featured keynote addresses from officials at the Department of Homeland Security’s National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center). Panel discussions tackled various urgent issues related to illegal trade, including the global plight of human trafficking and strategies for enhancing operational effectiveness through cross-sector cooperation.

Ivan J. Arvelo, the Director of the IPR Center, noted the vital importance of information sharing as a weapon against criminal networks. He urged private-sector partners to leverage their expertise and resources, presenting an opportunity for law enforcement to meet the evolving tactics employed by these networks.

In addition to enlightening discussions, the coalition set a clear agenda advocating for significant legislative reforms. Throughout the two-day summit, USA-IT coalition members met with lawmakers to champion critical policy priorities for 2025, including:

- Supporting the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025.
- Promoting Transparency Across Online Platforms.
- Advocating for the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act and the Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act.

Illegal trade's pervasive impact jeopardizes the wellbeing of American citizens, costing the U.S. economy an estimated $18 billion annually. Without a holistic and concerted approach among governmental bodies, the private sector, and the public at large, the struggle against illegal trade risks remaining reactive and fragmented.

At the conclusion of the summit, a united call echoed throughout the halls of Washington, advocating for a comprehensive societal approach that aims to take proactive steps against the threats posed by illegal trade, while also dismantling the criminal networks profiting from it. To learn more about the efforts and initiatives led by USA-IT, visit USAIT.org or reach out via email at [USA-IT contact email].

About USA-IT

United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT) is a partnership that combines public and private sector efforts aimed at protecting Americans from the dangers presented by black-market criminals. Founded in 2021 by Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses, the coalition garners support from law enforcement agencies, industry experts, and civic organizations to enhance the nation’s protective framework against illegal trade activities.