Simply Trade Podcast By Global Training Center cover art

Simply Trade

Simply Trade

By: Global Training Center
Listen for free

Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work? Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance? Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’? If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you. Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade. We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed! You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders. Let’s get to it!Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Economics
Episodes
  • [Cindy's Version] The Story of Us: Tariff Changes, CAPE Confusion, and Waiting for Answers

    [Cindy's Version] The Story of Us: Tariff Changes, CAPE Confusion, and Waiting for Answers
    Apr 10 2026
    Host: Cindy Allen Show: Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version Published: April 9, 2026 Length: ~16 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center The Story of Us: Tariff Changes, CAPE Confusion, and the Trade Community Waiting for Answers Cindy Allen returns with a wide-ranging trade update set to Taylor Swift’s “The Story of Us,” using the song’s theme of miscommunication to frame the current disconnect between CBP, the courts, and the trade community. From a new DHS funding update and fresh uncertainty around tariffs and valuation to the evolving CAPE refund process and the latest questions around customs business, this episode captures a moment where the trade world is working hard to keep up with fast-moving policy changes. What You’ll Learn in This Episode DHS and trade funding DHS remains largely unfunded, although TSA funding has now passed and some CBP officers remain funded under prior legislation. Many trade-related staff are still working without pay, and the shutdown pressure has now stretched beyond a month. Last sale and valuation debate Congress is still considering the last sale bill, which could eliminate last sale as a valuation method. Cindy explains that last sale has long been treated as part of the broader transaction value framework and is supported by court history, but Congress can still change the law if it chooses. White House tariff threats The White House floated 50% duties on countries that sell weapons to Iran, though Cindy questions what legal authority could support that now that IEEPA has been ruled unlawful. For China, the government could potentially revise Section 301 tariffs, but for other countries, the implementation path is unclear. Forced labor enforcement The Labor Department announced a new tool for assessing foreign forced labor practices, but details were sparse. Cindy notes that CBP already has a strong forced labor framework and suggests the Labor Department may be stepping into a larger detection/enforcement role. WTO criticism from USTR U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer published an op-ed criticizing the World Trade Organization, signaling frustration with its current effectiveness and casting doubt on the U.S. role going forward. Cindy highlights this as another sign that global trade institutions may be under pressure to prove relevance. 232 updates now in effect The recent steel and aluminum 232 changes took effect on April 6. Cindy notes that the system seems to be running smoothly, with de minimis treatment for some shipments under 15%, reduced or removed tariff coverage for certain HDS annex items, and new component-level classifications that reduce ambiguity even if the tariff burden remains high. CBP also released guidance on April 3, which importers subject to 232 should review carefully. USMCA remains strained USMCA negotiations continue, but Cindy says they are tense and may not conclude by the July 1 deadline. Despite frustration and mixed positions among the three governments, she notes the agreement still matters for North American production and U.S. manufacturing support. Customs business ruling and trade tech A recent customs business ruling has created concern among AI and trade tech companies, especially around whether certain activities now require a licensed customs broker. Cindy explains that the issue muddies the water for brokers, tech providers, and importers alike and will likely require clarification from CBP. ACE portal account requirement CBP has rolled out a new ACE portal account application process. Importers seeking refunds now need an ACE Portal account, and Cindy recommends checking CBP’s site or speaking with a broker to understand the new application process. Strait of Hormuz and market impact The war with Iran is paused for two weeks, but a reported $2 million vessel toll for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is raising alarms. Cindy also points to Bloomberg reporting that some Asian factories are seeing 55% price increases on plastics, showing how oil transit issues ripple into fertilizers, plastics, diesel, and broader market volatility. CAPE and “The Story of Us” Cindy says she chose “The Story of Us” because the song reflects the miscommunication and silence she sees between CBP, the courts, and the trade community. The CAPE process is still being built, and while CBP has filed detailed updates with the court, the real uncertainty is how the court will interpret those filings and what rules will ultimately apply to importers. The biggest unresolved questions remain whether finally liquidated entries will be included, whether protests or court actions will be required, and how refund filings will ultimately work. Cindy notes that the lead case changed from Artemis to a new test case after Artemis withdrew, meaning the court started over with new orders and the process remains in motion. Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday. Presented ...
    Show more Show less
    16 mins
  • What Importers Tend to Get Wrong About Importing

    What Importers Tend to Get Wrong About Importing
    Apr 9 2026

    Importing isn’t as simple as buying a product overseas and having it show up at your door.

    In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles break down three of the most common (and costly) assumptions business owners make about importing—and how those mistakes can quietly erode margins, create compliance risk, and lead to serious problems with U.S. Customs.

    If you’re importing—or thinking about it—this is a must-listen.

    📌 What You’ll Learn
    • Why your supplier is not responsible for your compliance
    • How duty rates have shifted from predictable to volatile
    • The real role of a customs broker (and what they don’t own)
    • Why bad data = compliant filings… that are still wrong
    • How small mistakes can turn into costly enforcement issues
    🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Your Supplier Does NOT Handle Everything

    Many importers assume their overseas supplier manages the process.

    Reality:

    • The supplier’s priority is getting paid
    • You are the Importer of Record
    • You are accountable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection

    If documentation is wrong—valuation, country of origin, product description—you own the consequences.

    “Your supplier may ship the goods—but you own the risk.”

    2. Duties Are No Longer Predictable

    What used to be a stable, forecastable cost is now a moving target.

    • Tariffs and trade policies change rapidly
    • Sourcing decisions directly impact duty exposure
    • Long purchasing cycles increase risk

    “Duty used to be a line item. Now it’s a variable you have to actively manage.”

    3. Compliance Is NOT Your Broker’s Job

    Hiring a broker does not transfer liability.

    • Brokers file based on the data you provide
    • They facilitate compliance—but don’t own it
    • Incorrect data = correctly filed… but still wrong

    “Customs holds the importer accountable—not the broker.”

    ⚠️ Real-World Risk

    Even when no one is trying to cut corners:

    • Miscommunication with suppliers
    • Last-minute product changes
    • Incorrect documentation

    …can result in:

    • Shipment delays
    • Exams or holds
    • Seizures
    • Long-term compliance issues
    🧠 The Bigger Insight

    All three mistakes come down to one thing:

    👉 Misunderstanding responsibility

    Importing is not passive.

    The companies that succeed:

    • Maintain internal oversight
    • Understand classification and documentation
    • Treat trade as a controlled process—not a transaction
    🎯 Who This Episode Is For
    • Business owners importing goods
    • E-commerce sellers sourcing overseas
    • Small to mid-size importers
    • Anyone new to international trade
    📣 Mentioned in This Episode
    • National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA Conference)
    • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
    Credits

    Hosts:

    • Lalo Solorzano

    • Andy Shiles

    Guests:

    • Anand Raghavendran – KYG Trade

    • Gagan Bhasin – VAO

    Produced by: Global Training Center

    📢 Subscribe & Follow

    Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.

    🎧 Listen on:

    • Apple Podcasts

    • Spotify

    • YouTube

    💬 Connect with us:

    • Simply Trade on LinkedIn

    • Global Training Center on LinkedIn

    • Trade Geeks Community
    Show more Show less
    25 mins
  • [TIPS] From Tactical to Strategic: How to Build a Mature Trade Organization

    [TIPS] From Tactical to Strategic: How to Build a Mature Trade Organization
    Apr 7 2026
    Hosts Renee Chiuchiarelli Julie Parks Published April 2026 Episode Length ~10 minutes 🎯 Episode Summary In this episode of Simply Trade Tips: Hammer & Heels, Renee and Julie continue their Tactical vs. Strategic series by focusing on the how. If the last episode defined the difference… this one answers the real question: 👉 How do you actually build a more strategic, mature trade organization? From stabilizing operations to introducing KPIs and redefining roles, this episode lays out a practical roadmap for evolving beyond reactive, tactical work into a proactive, value-driving function. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Start with a Clear End-State Vision Before making changes, define: Your problem statement (e.g., too much manual work, rework, delays) Your future state (automation, efficiency, reduced firefighting) 👉 Clarity drives alignment. 2. Stabilize Your Operations First You can’t build strategy on chaos. Focus on: Clean master data Classification governance Standard broker instructions Documented SOPs (and keep them updated!) Controls to prevent repeat errors 3. Eliminate Manual Work (Quick Wins Matter) Look for opportunities to: Automate screening and validation checks Replace email approvals with system controls Implement exception-based workflows 💡 Small wins create momentum—and buy-in. 4. Define Roles with a RACI Framework Separate tactical vs. strategic responsibilities: Shift transactional work to: Brokers Shared services Create roles focused on: Analytics Optimization Strategy 👉 Not everything belongs in trade. Know your boundaries. 5. Introduce Metrics That Show Value Move beyond activity tracking to impact measurement: Duty savings & cost avoidance Free Trade Agreement utilization (e.g., USMCA) Error rate reduction (first-time accuracy) Cycle time improvements Audit readiness / risk metrics 📊 Measure over time—this is where transformation becomes visible. 6. Think Like a Strategic Leader Strategic trade leaders: Remove roadblocks Translate regulations into business decisions Speak in financial and operational impact Influence sourcing and supply chain early Build dashboards (not just spreadsheets) Design compliance into systems 👉 This is where trade becomes a business driver—not just a function. 7. Use Quick Wins to Drive Change Examples: Eliminate recurring manual tasks Reassign non-trade work (like track & trace) Implement broker scorecards Pilot automation or controls 🎉 And don’t forget to celebrate progress. 💡 FIO (Figure It Out) – This Week’s Challenge Take a step back and assess your organization: List the tasks your team performs Survey how much time is spent on each Identify: % of time spent on tactical vs. strategic work Time spent during shipment vs. pre/post (the “bookends”) 👉 This exercise will reveal your true maturity level—and where to focus next. 💬 Join the Conversation How much of your team’s time is spent firefighting vs. driving strategy? Have you tried a time study or implemented KPIs that changed your organization? 👉 Join the discussion in the Trade Geeks Community and share your FIO! Credits Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-chiuchiarelli-lcb-ccs-8964a19/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Julie Parks https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ann-parks/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Producer: Lalo Solorzano https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast 🎧 Subscribe & Follow New TIPS episodes every Tuesday. Presented by: Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals. 👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Connect With Us Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn Global Training Center on LinkedIn YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Trade Geeks Community — https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast 💬 Don’t forget to rate, review & share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions? 📧 SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com 🐦 Twitter/X: @SimplyTradePod
    Show more Show less
    13 mins
No reviews yet