Simply Trade

[ROUNDUP] BRICS Rising: The New Global Trade Superpower in 2026?

Host: Annik SobingGuest: Maria Pechurina, Director of International Trade at Peacock Tariff ConsultingPublished: December 22Length: ~30 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
In this Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing is joined by international trade and economic diplomacy expert Maria Pechurina for a deep dive into BRICS and what it means for global trade in 2026. Maria, who has a strong background in Chinese studies and international relations, explains how BRICS has expanded from its original five members to a much broader “BRICS Plus” bloc that now includes countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, representing roughly 40% of global GDP, over 40% of the world’s population, about a quarter of global merchandise exports, and potentially half of the world’s oil production.​
Together, they explore how aggressive U.S. tariff policy in 2025 has accelerated a shift toward deeper BRICS cooperation and a more bipolar trading system. Maria illustrates this with examples such as U.S. tariffs on India that pushed New Delhi closer to Beijing and other BRICS partners, and she unpacks the growing trend toward non‑dollar settlement channels and local‑currency trade within the bloc. The conversation then turns to what all of this means for U.S.‑based trade and customs professionals, including the need to think in terms of “two playbooks” (U.S./EU vs. BRICS‑linked trade), prepare for more politically driven tariffs, and build scenarios and risk matrices that reflect a permanently more volatile environment.​
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
What BRICS and “BRICS Plus” are, who is involved, and why the bloc now represents a major share of global GDP, population, exports, and oil production.​
How U.S. tariffs and sanctions pressures in 2025 pushed countries toward deeper intra‑BRICS cooperation and regional trade (e.g., India–China, China–Brazil).​
Why 2025 effectively “broke” the old multilateral trade model and how 2026 is likely to cement a more bipolar system (U.S./EU vs. BRICS‑centric tracks).​
The rise of non‑dollar settlement and alternative payment systems, including local‑currency trade between Russia, China, India, and Brazil, and what that implies for dollar demand.​
How tariffs are increasingly used as political leverage, including “secondary” or punitive tariffs tied to countries’ domestic or foreign policy choices.​
What a dual‑track supply chain strategy looks like in practice for U.S. importers and compliance teams.
Key Takeaways
BRICS is no longer a fringe coalition; it is a central, growing pillar of global trade and energy, with China as a major center of gravity.​
U.S. and EU trade professionals must be ready to manage two distinct regulatory environments at once, with different expectations on origin, currency, sanctions, and documentation.​
Politically driven, rapidly announced tariffs will remain a major planning risk, making scenario modeling and proactive supplier strategies essential.​
Smaller and mid‑sized companies can amplify their influence by working through trade and industry groups to communicate real‑world impacts to policymakers.​
CreditsHost: Annik SobingGuest: Maria Pechurina – Peacock Tariff ConsultingProducer: Lalo Solorzano
Subscribe & FollowNew Roundup episodes every week.Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.​👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
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[Cindy's Version] The Manuscript of Trade in 2025

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: December 19Length: ~15 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
In this year-end “Cindy’s Version” of Simply Trade, Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, uses Taylor Swift’s “The Manuscript” to frame a look back at 2025’s trade story. She recaps the latest developments—from the Court of International Trade’s surprise ruling on the Costco injunction and IEPA liquidation concerns to a new Switzerland–Liechtenstein trade deal and CBP’s long‑awaited “stacking” spreadsheet. Cindy also highlights the U.S. government’s announcement that it collected 200 billion dollars in new tariffs this year, and what that really means for importers’ bottom lines.
Using “The Manuscript” as a metaphor, Cindy walks through the big chapters of this year in trade: unprecedented use of authorities like IEPA and 232, the temporary shock of 145% China tariffs, the demise of de minimis, a jump in effective average duty rates, and a surge in complexity around stacking, derivative tariffs, and country‑of‑melt reporting. She also touches on ACE edit‑check gaps, compressed implementation timelines, expanded ACAS data requirements, and pilots like the Global Business Identifier that signal a move toward progressive filing and deeper supply chain visibility. Cindy closes by reflecting on the vital role of trade associations, community, and collaboration—and shares her hope that next year’s “manuscript” reads more like a romantic comedy than an action thriller.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
What the CIT’s ruling in the Costco/IEPA case really means for injunctions and refunds
Key updates: Switzerland–Liechtenstein trade deal, CBP stacking spreadsheet, and tariff collections
How IEPA and 232 were used in new, expansive ways—including derivative and fentanyl‑related tariffs
The “demise of de minimis” and its impact on trade flows and compliance workloads
Why average effective duty rates have jumped from ~2–3% to around 17%
How trade “deals” differ from formal FTAs and why they complicate stacking rules
New data, timing, and ACE challenges: melt/cast reporting, missing edit checks, and 1‑day rollouts
The growing role of pilots like GBI and progressive filing in reshaping future entry processes
Why uncertainty itself—legal, financial, and operational—has become a major cost driver
Key Takeaways
2025’s trade “manuscript” is defined by unprecedented authority use, higher duty rates, and much more complexity.
Rapid‑fire changes, thin guidance, and limited ACE edit checks have shifted more risk and responsibility onto importers, brokers, and software providers.
Community, collaboration, and strong industry groups (ICPA, NCBFAA, AAEI, COAC) are essential to interpreting and managing ongoing change.
As the trade community turns the page to a new year, the goal is a calmer, more predictable “script”—with fewer action scenes and more stability.
CreditsHost: Cindy Allen, TradeForce Multiplier
Subscribe & FollowNew “Cindy’s Version” trade roundups periodically.Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
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Transfer Pricing, Customs Valuation & Tariffs: Bridging the Gap with Alex Martin

Episode: Simply Trade #413Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo SolorzanoGuest(s):
Alex Martin, Transfer Pricing Specialist, KBKGPublished: December 18, 2025Length: ~37 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Episode Summary
Tariffs have changed everything — and many companies are still missing the second-order effects.
In this episode, Andy and Lalo sit down with Alex Martin of KBKG to unpack one of the most misunderstood (and increasingly risky) intersections in global trade: transfer pricing and customs valuation.
As tariffs rise from single digits to 25%, 50%, and beyond, decisions once made solely by tax or finance teams now carry massive customs consequences. Alex explains how multinational companies are getting “whipsawed” between Customs and the IRS — one pushing values up for duty, the other pushing values down for income tax.
This conversation makes one thing crystal clear: customs, tax, finance, and compliance can no longer operate in silos.
Whether you’re an importer, trade compliance professional, CFO, or tax leader, this episode highlights why cross-functional coordination is now essential — not optional.
Key Takeaways
Transfer pricing impacts both customs duties and income tax — often in conflicting ways
Rising tariffs have turned valuation into a material financial risk, not an academic exercise
Customs looks at transactions line-by-line, while tax authorities focus on annual results
CFOs and tax directors must now actively engage with trade compliance teams
Poor coordination can increase audit risk, cash-flow pressure, and margin erosion
Programs like FTZs, bonded warehouses, drawback, and cost bifurcation can help mitigate exposure
Asking for transfer pricing documentation is a powerful first step for trade teams
Who Needs to Be at the Table?
This episode stresses the importance of assembling a multi-disciplinary team, including:
Trade Compliance
Tax & Transfer Pricing
Finance / CFO leadership
Accounting (AP / AR)
Pricing & Sourcing
International affiliates and parent companies
If tariffs have changed your margins, they’ve already changed your tax picture — whether you’ve addressed it or not.
 
🔍 Transfer Pricing Insights from Alex Martin (KBKG)
Strategic transfer pricing adjustments can reduce customs duties by lowering inventory values and separating non-dutiable management fees
Many companies overlook the income tax benefits of transfer pricing, especially when foreign entities are profitable while U.S. operations show losses
Transfer pricing changes can significantly lower a company’s global effective tax rate when aligned correctly
KBKG regularly hosts transfer pricing education sessions to help trade professionals understand intercompany pricing from a tax perspective
KBKG also supports companies with R&D tax credits, cost segregation, and green energy incentives, alongside transfer pricing services
Learn more:
Article: Higher Tariffs Are on the Wayhttps://www.kbkg.com/feature/higher-tariffs-are-on-the-way
Free Webinar (CPA Academy): Transfer Pricing & Tariff Savings Strategieshttps://www.cpaacademy.org/s/webinar/a0DQh00000ZyzPXMAZ/transfer-pricing-and-tariff-savings-strategies
Article: Higher Tariffs Are on the Wayhttps://www.kbkg.com/feature/higher-tariffs-are-on-the-way
Free Webinar (CPA Academy): Transfer Pricing & Tariff Savings Strategieshttps://www.cpaacademy.org/s/webinar/a0DQh00000ZyzPXMAZ/transfer-pricing-and-tariff-savings-strategies
 
📚 Resources & Mentions
KBKG – Transfer Pricing & Tax Advisoryhttps://www.kbkg.com/
Alex Martin – LinkedIn
Alex Marting YouTube videos
U.S. Customs Valuation Methods (WTO / CBP)https://www.cbp.gov/trade/valuation
IRS Transfer Pricing Overview (Section 482)https://www.irs.gov/businesses/international-businesses/transfer-pricing
Global Training Center – Customs Valuation E-Learning Coursehttps://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/
Foreign Trade Zones (U.S. FTZ Board)https://www.trade.gov/foreign-trade-zones
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[NCBFAA] Counsel Update: What Trade Professionals Must Prepare for in 2026

Episode:
NCBFAA Counsel Update: What Trade Professionals Must Prepare for in 2026(Final Episode in the NCBFAA 4-Part Special Series)
Guest Host & Moderator:
Laurie ArnoldSecretary, National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA)
Panelists:
Nicole Bivens-Collinson — Legislative Advisor, NCBFAA
Cindy Thomas — Counsel, Partner Government Agencies
Ashley Craig — Transportation Counsel
Lenny Feldman — Customs & Trade Counsel
Published:
December 17, 2026
Length:
~50 min.
Presented by:
Global Training Center
Episode Summary
This episode concludes Simply Trade’s four-part special collaboration with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), with NCBFAA hosting its own in-depth legal roundtable focused on what trade professionals must prepare for in 2026.
Moderated by Laurie Arnold, Secretary of NCBFAA, this candid discussion brings together the association’s legal counsel to unpack legislative priorities, regulatory uncertainty, enforcement trends, and agency staffing challenges impacting customs brokers, freight forwarders, and the broader trade community.
From tariff volatility and BIS rulemaking to FMC enforcement, PGA staffing shortages, and heightened CBP scrutiny, this final episode provides practical guidance and forward-looking insight for navigating an increasingly complex compliance environment.
Key Learnings & Themes
1. Legislative Outlook for 2026
Nicole Bivens-Collinson highlights legislative activity to monitor closely, including:
Potential restrictions on non-resident importers acting as importers of record
The proposed ADAPT Act, designed to curb last-minute tariff changes by requiring advance notice and implementation timelines
NCBFAA continues advocating for policy that is predictable, transparent, and operationally realistic for the trade community.
2. PGA Engagement Amid Staffing Losses
Cindy Thomas explains how Partner Government Agencies are experiencing:
Accelerated retirements and buyouts
Loss of institutional knowledge
Inconsistent enforcement and communication
Despite these challenges, agencies increasingly rely on NCBFAA to help communicate policy changes clearly and consistently to the trade community.
3. BIS 50% Rule: Paused, Not Eliminated
Ashley Craig discusses the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) 50% rule, currently suspended for one year:
The rule is expected to return in some form
Congressional intervention remains possible
Due diligence expectations on intermediaries continue to grow
The panel stresses that this pause should be used to prepare — not delay.
4. FMC Enforcement & Transportation Risk
Ashley also outlines increasing enforcement activity by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), including:
Heightened scrutiny of tariffs and service contracts
Significant recent penalties
Ongoing regulatory uncertainty driven by staffing changes
Transportation compliance remains a key risk area heading into 2026.
5. Tariffs, CBP Enforcement & Revenue Collection
Lenny Feldman provides insight into:
Aggressive CBP enforcement tied to tariff programs
Significant increases in duty collections through entry summary reviews
Elevated penalty exposure without mitigation strategies
He emphasizes proactive compliance, internal reviews, and preparation before CBP initiates enforcement actions.
6. Practical Steps Trade Professionals Must Take Now
Panelists recommend:
Ensuring importers maintain active ACE Portal access
Monitoring liquidation timelines and protest deadlines
Reviewing valuation, classification, and origin methodologies
Updating broker terms & conditions and powers of attorney
Conducting internal compliance reviews proactively
Preparation is no longer optional — it is essential.
Key Takeaways
Enforcement is increasing across CBP, BIS, FMC, and PGAs
Legislative and regulatory volatility is the new normal
NCBFAA advocacy plays a critical role in shaping workable policy
Brokers and forwarders are more essential than ever as compliance partners
Proactive strategy consistently outperforms reactive defense
Resources Mentioned
Organizations & Agencies
National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Trade & Compliance Topics
ACE Portal (Automated Commercial Environment)
Section 232, 301, and 201 Tariffs
BIS 50% Rule
BIS Affiliate Rule
ADAPT Act (Proposed)
Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022
Credits
Guest Host & Moderator:Laurie Arnold — Secretary, NCBFAA
Panelists:
Nicole Bivens-Collinson — Legislative Advisor, NCBFAA
Cindy Thomas — Counsel, Partner Government Agencies
Ashley Craig — Transportation Counsel
Lenny Feldman — Customs & Trade Counsel
Presented by:Global Training CenterGlobal Training Center on LinkedIn
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[TIPS] Difficult Conversations — When You’re the Catcher

Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie ParksSeries: Difficult Conversations (Episode 3)Format: Trade Tip Tuesday | Hammer & HeelsLength: ~8 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
🔍 Episode Summary
In this Trade Tip Tuesday episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks continue their Difficult Conversations series by shifting perspectives — from the pitcher to the catcher.
Not every tough conversation is initiated by you. Sometimes, you’re on the receiving end — caught off guard, underprepared, or unsure how to respond in the moment. This episode provides a practical framework to help trade professionals listen, respond, and lead with clarity when they’re the ones being approached.
Using the same GGCC acronym introduced in the previous episode, Renee and Julie walk through how to apply it when you’re the listener, ensuring difficult discussions remain productive, respectful, and solutions-focused.
🧠 Key Learnings
When you’re the catcher in a difficult conversation, use the GGCC framework:
G — GratitudeAcknowledge the conversation and thank the other person for bringing the issue forward.
G — GravityRecognize the seriousness of the issue and validate the weight of the concern being shared.
C — Clarify & CommitListen fully, reflect back what you heard, and commit to working toward a resolution — even if the answer isn’t immediate.
C — Closing (Consider, Comply, or Reject)Be honest and transparent about next steps. You may need time to consider, you may comply immediately, or — in rare cases — reject the request after thoughtful evaluation.
📌 Why This Matters in Trade
In trade compliance, logistics, customs, and global operations, difficult conversations are unavoidable — from resource constraints and compliance gaps to performance concerns and project pressures.
How you receive these conversations is just as important as how you initiate them. This framework helps:
Reduce defensiveness
Build trust and credibility
Create space for thoughtful, compliant decision-making
Strengthen leadership communication skills
🧩 FIO (Figure It Out) — This Week’s Action Item
Take a moment to pause and take inventory.
Ask yourself:
What difficult conversations might be coming my way?
What issues may be bubbling up in my team or organization?
Where could someone need clarity, support, or a decision from me?
Being mentally prepared — even without knowing specifics — allows you to respond with intention instead of reaction.
Once you’ve done your FIO, head into the Trade Geeks Community and let us know how it went.
👉 Trade Geeks Community
🔗 Keep the Conversation Going
This episode builds directly on the previous discussion about being the pitcher. Be sure to listen to both — and don’t miss the upcoming role-play episode where Renee and Julie bring both perspectives together.
🎧 Credits
Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli
Julie Parks
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
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[ROUNDUP] AI is not what you think it is

Host: Annik SobingGuest: John Petitte, Co‑Founder at Trade Insight AILength: ~27 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
GTC Course Details: 
Mergers & Acquisitions Course
In this Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing sits down with tech entrepreneur John Petitte to explore what really happens when technology meets trade. Coming from a software and AI background—not customs or logistics, John shares an “outsider” view on how critical, yet invisible, the trade compliance world is, and why it’s such a powerful use case for modern AI tools. The conversation covers how he and co‑founder Hal first targeted classification, where AI genuinely works today, and why current “agent” hype doesn’t match on‑the‑ground adoption.
Together, they unpack the difference between true productivity gains and marketing promises, why large language models fit text‑heavy work like trade compliance and law, and how small firms can use AI to punch above their weight instead of fearing job loss. Annik and John also dig into where AI is (and isn’t) a good fit—from code and internal tools to art, music, and marketing—and what trade professionals should focus on as 2026 approaches.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How a technologist first discovered trade compliance and saw opportunity in classification
Why trade is “hypercritical” to daily life yet largely invisible to the public
The gap between AI/agent hype and actual business adoption and ROI
The difference between large language models and other AI types (e.g., world models, robotics)
Why text‑heavy fields like trade compliance, law, and coding are prime candidates for LLMs
Practical examples of where AI already saves hours per week (e.g., internal tools, newsletters)
Why regulators still expect human “reasonable care” between AI outputs and government filings
How small brokers, consultants, and firms can use AI to compete with much larger players
Strategic tips for picking specific, narrow use cases instead of trying to “AI everything”
Key Takeaways
AI in trade is best used for focused, well‑defined tasks—not as a magic “replace everything” button.
Compliance remains insulated from full automation because regulators still require human oversight.
Small firms that ignore AI risk falling further behind large players who are already exploring it.
Understanding which type of AI you’re using (and why) is essential to getting real value, not just buzz.
CreditsHost: Annik SobingGuest: John PetitteProducer: Annik Sobing
Subscribe & FollowNew Roundup episodes every week.Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
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[Cindy's Version] Delicate - A Fragile Trade Moment

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: December 12Length: ~11 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
In this “Cindy’s Version” news roundup, Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, uses Taylor Swift’s “Delicate” as the backdrop for a candid look at how fragile global trade feels right now. She walks through the latest data points on slowing U.S. imports, resilient China–world trade flows, and small-business confidence, then zooms in on a new Section 301 case against Nicaragua and what it signals about future trade actions.
Cindy also breaks down a recent Cato Institute report on effective U.S. duty rates, showing how average tariffs have climbed far above historic norms and why pre‑tariff stockpiling temporarily masks the true cost picture. She explains the mounting complexity of stacked tariffs, derivative duties, and the end of de minimis, as well as the uncertainty created by ongoing 232 and IEEPA actions and the landmark Supreme Court case. Throughout, she stresses how this volatility affects planning, hiring, and cash flow for importers and exporters—leaving many in a “delicate” position heading into the new year.
 
Key Takeaways
Average U.S. duty rates are far above pre‑tariff levels, and the true burden is still emerging.
Legal strategy around injunctions and refund rights is now central to trade risk management.
Tariff complexity and uncertainty have their own price tag—in planning, inventory, and talent.
For many companies, 2025 planning is less about perfect forecasts and more about building resilience in a very “delicate” trade environment.
CreditsHost: Cindy Allen, TradeForce Multiplier
Subscribe & FollowNew “Cindy’s Version” trade roundups periodically.Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
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The Human Cost of Tariffs: Detroit Axle’s Fight for Survival Under Trump’s Trade Policies

Episode: #408Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo SolorzanoGuest(s): Mike Musheinesh, CEO of Detroit AxlePublished: Insert dateLength: ~39 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Episode Summary
In one of our most powerful and revealing episodes of the year, Andy and Lalo sit down with Mike Musheinesh, CEO of Detroit Axle, to expose the real-world, real-human impact of the accelerated tariff changes implemented under the Trump administration.
This conversation is raw, emotional, and brutally honest.It blends economics, politics, business strategy, and human reality into the clearest picture yet of what happens when tariff changes hit industries faster than companies can possibly adapt.
Detroit Axle — a family-built, half-billion-dollar U.S. company employing hundreds across Detroit, El Paso, and Juarez — is now facing seismic pressures from massive tariff spikes, sudden de minimis repeal, skyrocketing materials costs, slowed consumer spending, and policy decisions made with little warning.
Mike breaks down:
How tariffs jumped from $25,000 per $1M of imports… to $625,000–$725,000
Why overnight policy changes destroyed logistics models built over 30 years
Why these decisions threaten not just executives, but hundreds of families
How Detroit Axle trains returning citizens, rebuilds parts manually, and sustains U.S. jobs
Why even supportive CEOs struggle when change comes so suddenly
How the company is pivoting toward Canada and Mexico
Why Congress vs. Presidential authority may redefine U.S. trade policy
And why the Supreme Court’s ruling could make or break this company’s future
This episode is the perfect capstone to a year full of tariff discussions — tying everything together through a real, relatable, human story.
 Key Learnings & Takeaways
1. Tariff volatility isn’t just policy — it’s people
Detroit Axle employs hundreds across three countries.A sudden repeal of de minimis and massive tariff spikes have already paused a 350,000 sq ft Detroit expansion — affecting jobs, families, and local economies.
2. The cost increases are staggering
Tariffs on a million dollars of imports climbed:
From $25,000
To $625,000–$725,000Companies cannot absorb increases of this scale without raising prices or reducing investment.
3. Abrupt policy changes destroy planning cycles
Congress initially set a 2027 timeline.The administration moved that to 2025, leaving companies with no runway to pivot.
4. De minimis repeal hurts much more than China
Small businesses, U.S. e-commerce, border operations in El Paso/Juarez, and consumers all pay the price.
5. Tariffs were intended to bring leverage — but reciprocity hasn’t followed
Countries such as India and Vietnam lowered tariffs on U.S. goods……but the U.S. didn’t lower tariffs in return, creating tension and reducing competitiveness.
6. America’s manufacturing gap is now painfully visible
Mike explains the loss of:
Machinery
Skills
Manual trades
Technical knowledgeReplacing that ecosystem takes years, not weeks.
7. The Supreme Court case could reshape trade authority
The outcome may determine:
Whether presidential tariff power remains broad
Whether Congress must reassert authority
And whether companies like Detroit Axle get relief
 Episode Resources
Detroit Axle – Learn more about Mike’s company:Detroit Axle Website
Mike Musheinesh (LinkedIn)Connect with Mike
Learn more about Global Training Center programs:
Trade Compliance Courses
Trade Strategist Training
Join the Trade Geeks Community:Trade Geeks Portal
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[NCBFAA] Regulatory Agencies Committee Year in Review

Episode: NCBFAA Spotlight: Understanding the Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC)Host: Lalo SolorzanoGuest(s):• Michael Lahar – Chair, NCBFAA RAC (LinkedIn)• Adam Lees – Vice Chair, NCBFAA RAC (LinkedIn)• Cindy Thomas – Counsel, NCBFAA RAC (LinkedIn)Published: November 2025Length: ~34 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
🧾 Episode Summary
In this special collaboration episode with the NCBFAA, Lalo sits down with members of the Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) — the team that engages with all Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) outside of CBP on behalf of the brokerage, freight forwarding, and logistics community.
Committee Chair Michael Lahar, Vice Chair Adam Lees, and Counsel Cindy Thomas walk through the RAC’s unique role, its 15 subcommittees, and how 2025 proved to be one of the most unusual years in recent memory. From staffing reductions under the Department of Justice’s GOGE initiative, to the still-ongoing government shutdown, to FDA’s surprise launch of the National Entry Review (NER) Program, the RAC has spent the year rebuilding agency relationships, troubleshooting major regulatory changes, and guiding NCBFAA members through rapidly shifting expectations.
The conversation highlights the RAC’s critical liaison function — ensuring brokers aren’t left in the dark, building interagency cooperation, and helping PGAs understand how brokers function as “force multipliers” in the import ecosystem.
The episode closes with a forward look at 2026, including the CPSC and Fish & Wildlife ACE mandates, the National Marine Fisheries implementation of MMPA requirements, and what brokers need to prepare for now.
🗝️ Key Takeaways
RAC represents brokers and freight forwarders across 15 PGA subcommittees, interacting with agencies from USDA and CPSC to FDA, EPA, APHIS, and Fish & Wildlife.
Government shutdown impacts varied widely across PGAs — some were fully dark, others partially functioning.
Staffing reductions under GOGE hit PGAs hard, creating delays and inexperienced replacements.
FDA’s National Entry Review (NER) Program launched with only 30 days’ notice, causing friction but improving week by week.
Interagency cooperation is growing, with agencies proactively engaging the RAC for the first time.
Brokers are increasingly recognized as “force multipliers” for enforcement efficiency.
2026 will bring major ACE mandates for CPSC and Fish & Wildlife — importers must prepare now.
AI is being used across PGAs, often without transparency.
Resilience across both industry and government was the defining theme of 2025.
🔍 Topics Covered
Structure & mission of the RAC
PGA staffing and shutdown impacts
FDA NER rollout challenges
Rebuilding agency relationships
Interagency collaboration wins
AI use in trade enforcement
2026 ACE mandates (CPSC, FWS)
National Marine Fisheries MMPA enforcement
Preparing brokers for regulatory change
NCBFAA Annual Conference preview
📚 Resources & Mentions
NCBFAA – National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (Website)
FDA – National Entry Review (NER) Program (Referenced during the episode)
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Website)
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – ACE Filing Program (Website)
Global Training Center (Website)
🎤 Credits
Hosts:• Lalo Solorzano (LinkedIn)
Guests:• Michael Lahar – Chair, RAC (LinkedIn)• Adam Lees – Vice Chair, RAC (LinkedIn)• Cindy Thomas – Counsel, RAC (LinkedIn)
Produced by: Global Training CenterNotes prepared by: The Simply Trade Team
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[TIPS] GGCC: A Simple Framework for Starting Tough Conversations (The “Pitcher” Role)

Hosts
Renee Chiuchiarelli- LinkedIn
Julie Parks - LinkedIn
Published Date
December 9, 2025
Episode Length
~7 minutes
Episode Summary
The Pitcher’s Playbook for Difficult Conversations
In this second episode of the Difficult Conversations series, Renee and Julie break down how to navigate tough discussions when you are the one initiating them — the Pitcher role.
To make the process easier, they introduce a simple, repeatable acronym that works for any difficult conversation:
GGCC
Greeting: Open with appreciation and set a positive tone
Groundwork: Provide context and explain why the conversation is needed
Concern: State the issue clearly, respectfully, and with the “why” behind it
Closing: Finish with a statement and a question to confirm alignment
This framework helps you stay organized, calm, and effective, no matter how uncomfortable the topic may be.
Key Learnings
Structure makes difficult conversations less stressful and more productive.
Appreciation (Greeting) and partnership (Groundwork) reduce defensiveness.
Clear, respectful articulation of your concern keeps the conversation constructive.
Ending with a clarifying question ensures you and the other person walk away aligned.
Writing out the GGCC ahead of time makes a big difference in how you show up.
GGCC will be used again in Episode 3, this time from the Catcher’s perspective.
Takeaways
Difficult conversations aren’t confrontations — they’re opportunities to collaborate.
“Respect” and “clarity” are the two qualities that make the GGCC method work.
Preparing your structure ahead of time prevents misunderstandings.
Tip of the Week
Use the GGCC framework (Greeting, Groundwork, Concern, Closing) to prepare your next difficult conversation.It works for feedback, resource requests, conflict, and team challenges.
FIO – Figure It Out (Call to Action)
This week, identify one difficult conversation you’ve been putting off.Draft your Pitcher’s script using the GGCC structure.
Even if you don’t deliver it right away, having it ready makes you more confident and prepared.
Share your experience inside the Trade Geeks Community:Trade Geeks
Resources Mentioned
This episode focuses solely on the GGCC structure — no external resources.
Credits
Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie ParksProducer: Lalo Solorzano
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