The Georgia Chapter enjoyed a dynamic start to the summer with two highly successful events in early June.

On June 2, the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast and the Gwinnett Chamber, in collaboration with the Honorary Consulate of Italy in Atlanta, hosted a special evening in celebration of Festa della Repubblica. The event welcomed a diverse group of entrepreneurs, executives, and community leaders for an evening of networking.

On June 4, KPMG headquarters in Dowtown Atlanta welcomed IACCSE members for a highly successful Business Breakfast focused on the latest developments in U.S. trade policy and their impact on international business. The discussion explored key topics including tariff mitigation strategies, IEEPA duty refunds, and the evolving global trade environment. 

For those interested in strengthening connections within Georgia’s vibrant Italian and Italian-American business community, please save the date for our Annual Dinner on November 19, 2026.

The evening will take place at Antica Posta, one of Atlanta’s most beloved Italian restaurants, and will feature an authentic three-course menu showcasing the flavors and traditions of Italy. More than just a dinner, this special event will bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, and friends of Italy for an evening of networking. The event will also serve as a fundraiser to support the continued growth and activities of the Georgia Chapter.

Tickets will be $125 for members and $155 for non-members. We anticipate welcoming between 80 and 100 guests for what promises to be one of the Chapter’s premier events of the year.

Those interested in reserving a seat may purchase the ticket on eventbrite at the following link:

As part of an increased collaboration with Regione Lombardia, the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast organized a trade mission in Miami with Promos Italia, the Italian Chambers of Commerce agency for internationalization, dedicated to four companies from Lombardy: Caseificio Defendi Luigi, Vitavigor, Fratelli Meroni, and Maxpell.

The participating companies, operating in the food and furniture/design sectors, took part in a tailored program of B2B meetings with importers, distributors, and potential business partners in the Miami area. A total of 36 business meetings were organized between the four companies and importers and distributors based in the Miami area.

The mission concluded with a networking breakfast at the Rimadesio showroom in Miami, attended by the Lombardy companies, representatives of the IACCSE Board, and IACCSE member companies. The event provided an important opportunity to exchange information and insights on the Florida market, while creating further opportunities for dialogue and business development.

This initiative confirms the commitment of IACCSE, Regione Lombardia, and Promos Italia to supporting the internationalization of Lombardy-based companies and strengthening economic relations between the Italian business community and the U.S. market, with a particular focus on Florida and its growing business opportunities.

The IACCSE is proud to announce that Andrea Illy, Chairman of illycaffè  will be the recipient of the prestigious Italic Award on December 12 in Miami. 

Founded in Trieste, Italy, in 1933, illycaffè is recognized worldwide as one of the most iconic symbols of Italian excellence. 

With a background in chemistry, Andrea Illy joined the family business in the 80s and later led the company’s international expansion, transforming illycaffè into a global premium brand present today in more than 140 countries. 

Under his leadership, the company became internationally admired for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, and among the first Italian companies to achieve B Corp certification. 

Through his vision and leadership, Andrea Illy has played a significant role in promoting the excellence of Made in Italy worldwide and strengthening the relationship between Italy and the U.S. market. 

On December 12th, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, we will proudly honor his remarkable contribution during the Italic Award Gala, celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast. 

For more information about the Italic Award Gala, please visit:  

The IACCSE is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding through a special fund established by Assocamerestero (the Association of Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad) to support high-impact, innovative projects across the global network of Italian Chambers of Commerce.

Thanks to this initiative, the Chamber will launch the Italian Innovation Hub – Miami, a new market entry and acceleration program designed to help innovative Italian companies successfully expand into the U.S. market through Miami’s rapidly growing technology ecosystem.

Starting in January 2027, the program will select up to eight Italian companies operating in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, fintech, healthtech, climate tech and other innovative sectors. The program is intended for companies with established products and proven business models that are ready to accelerate their international growth.

Participants will benefit from a structured program including:

• online workshops on the U.S. and Florida technology ecosystem;
• legal, tax and market-entry mentoring;
• meetings with economic development organizations, universities, incubators and investors;
• a business mission to Miami;
• participation in eMerge Americas, one of the leading technology conferences in the Americas;
• ongoing follow-up support and access to the Chamber’s companies network.

Thanks to the grant received, the participation fee is USD 1,000 per company, keeping the program highly accessible.

Companies interested in being considered for t the Italian Innovation Hub – Miami program may contact the Chamber at info@iacc-miami.com to receive additional information and application details. Selection process will start in September 2026. 

We look forward to supporting Italian innovators as they enter one of the world’s fastest-growing technology ecosystems.

The Italy America Chamber of Commerce Southeast is glad to support the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in promoting the most significant bilateral business events of the year: the “Italy US Business, Investment, Science and Innovation Forum 2026″ taking place on June 22 at the Biltmore Hotel in Miami.

The event will bring together high-level institutional representatives, government officials, and prominent business leaders from both Italy and the United States, creating an exceptional platform for dialogue, networking, and international collaboration.

Organized by ITA under the auspices of the Italian Government, the Forum represents a strategic opportunity for Italian and American companies to establish and strengthen business relationships across key sectors driving innovation and economic growth.

Participating industries include: AI, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, Energy and Space, Automation, Industrial Robotics, Agritech, Medical and Biotech Manufacturing, Energy, Maritime Transport, Aviation and Land Transportation, Agrifood, Design & Fashion, Furniture, Culture and Sports

During the event, dedicated vertical meetings and business matching sessions will allow participating companies to connect directly and explore potential partnerships. Four high-level thematic panels will also take place:

• Frontier Technologies Building the Future
• Tradition and Innovation in Creative and Advanced Manufacturing
• Mobility and Resilient Infrastructure
• Lifestyle Industries

Members of the IACCSE have received a formal invitation directly from us and are encouraged to participate in this important initiative. Due to limited availability, participation is subject to approval by ITA. 

The detailed program and agenda will be shared directly with approved participants prior to the event.

If you are a IACCSE member and have not received the invitation, please contact projects@iacc-miami.com

The Georgia Chapter of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast will celebrate Italian National Day with a special networking cocktail organized in collaboration with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.

The reception will bring together board members of the Gwinnett Chamber, representatives of the Coordination Committee of the IACCSE Georgia Chapter, IACCSE members, and the Honorary Consul of Italy in Georgia, Filiberto Garascibetta.

This gathering will offer a valuable opportunity for our current members to connect with prominent representatives of the Gwinnett business community, while enjoying an evening in celebration of the Italian Republic and the strong ties between Italy and Georgia.

The Chamber is also planning additional initiatives in June, including a roundtable dedicated to tariffs and duties, featuring a best-practice exchange among CEOs members of our Chamber.

Stay tuned for more details.

You can reach Ludovica Guglielmo, Project manager, for the IACCSE – Georgia Chapter at: atl@iaccse.com .

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast is pleased to announce that the Italic Award Gala will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the prestigious JW Marriott Marquis in Downtown Miami.

This year’s Gala will be a truly special occasion, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Chamber and honoring its longstanding commitment to strengthening business ties between Italy and the United States. The event will also coincide with the celebration of the G20 Summit, adding further significance to this important milestone.

The evening promises to be a spectacular event, featuring many surprises and exceptional guest speakers, including some of the most prominent Italian entrepreneurs on the global stage, soon to be revealed.

In the coming weeks, the Chamber will share additional details regarding sponsorship opportunities and corporate tables.

The Board of Directors of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast is delighted to invite members, partners, and friends to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently published a document titled “International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) Duty Refunds” – https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/trade-remedies/ieepa-duty-refunds – as well as CSMS # 68315804 – https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/4126a9c– , which summarizes the incoming refund process. 

CBP launched the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) April 20, 2026, as Phase 1 only for unliquidated entries and liquidated entries within 80 days of liquidation. 

CBP also specified the actions required for requesting refunds: 

The Importer of Record (IOR) and its customs broker must have an ACE account.  

ACH must be set up in ACE.  

The IOR or its customs broker must submit the request for refund (CAPE Declaration) via CAPE in the ACE system.  

The CAPE Declaration must be submitted as a .CSV file in ACE. 

The CAPE Declaration template will be available in the ACE system. 

Once the CAPE Declaration has been processed and validated by CBP, ACE will liquidate or reliquidate the entries by removing the IEEPA HTS codes.  

Refunds will be issued directly to the IOR’s bank account recorded in ACE or to a party the IOR has designated to receive refunds on its behalf via CBP Form.

Lastly, after the CAPE Declaration is accepted by CBP, refunds will be issued within 60 to 90 days.  

What Importers Should Do:

• If not already created, create an ACE account immediately 
• If you have an ACE account but you haven’t connected in the past 45 days, call ACE Support – https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/ace-support – immediately to reactivate your account  
• Register to receive refunds via ACH using your U.S. bank account  
• Prepare an ACE report covering all entries with IEEPA duties (including the liquidation dates)  

For Phase I refund requests, Prepare a CAPE Declaration consisting of a .CSV (comma-separated values) file containing only entry numbers, and only entry numbers 1) for which IEEPA duties were paid, and 2) that are unliquidated or liquidated less than 80 days prior to the date the Declaration will be submitted.    

CBP began accepting refund requests on April 20.

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling that invalidated IEEPA-based tariffs, all importers of record who paid these duties are entitled to refunds. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is processing refunds, including for entries already liquidated, by recalculating duties without the IEEPA charges. Importers should monitor their Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) accounts for refunds, which include interest. CBP had collected approximately $166 billion in duties and deposits associated with these IEEPA tariffs and thousands of importers have brought claims seeking recovery of the amounts paid.

Key Details on IEEPA Tariff Refunds:

• Eligibility: All importers of record who paid IEEPA-authorized tariffs (e.g., Section 301 tariffs) are eligible for refunds, not just those who filed lawsuits.
• Process: CBP is directed to liquidate or reliquidate entries “without regard” to IEEPA tariffs. The process involves filing declarations in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system.
•  Scope: The refund covers over 53 million entries, including over 60% that were informal, indicating a broad application.
• Action Required: While some refunds may be automatic, experts advise importers to review their entry records, identify IEEPA-paid entries, and ensure protests are filed within 180 days of liquidation if not already covered. an automatic refund system is not yet fully in place, and the process may move forward with some complications.
• Downstream Customers: Companies that passed these tariff costs to customers may face litigation from those customers seeking to recover their share of the refund. 

Important Considerations:

• Timing: While the Court of International Trade (CIT) has ordered refunds, the process may still take time to fully execute.
• Interest: Refunds will include interest, which must be accounted for in financial and tax filings.
• Documentation: Accurate documentation of the paid IEEPA duties is crucial for securing the full refund amount. Gather the relevant documentation, including Entry Summaries (CBP Form 7501), proof of payment, and the tariff classifications applied.

For the most up-to-date information, consulting with legal counsel specializing in international trade is recommended.