Simply Trade

[Cindy's Version] Trade is in a State of Grace

Host: Cindy AllenShow: Simply Trade – Cindy’s VersionPublished: February 13, 2026Length: ~15 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
State of Grace: Tariffs, First Sale Under Fire, and a Glimmer of Stability
In this episode of Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, walks through another busy week in global trade and ties it to Taylor Swift’s “State of Grace”—focusing on the idea that, despite the shock of recent policy shifts, this is still a “worthwhile fight” for trade professionals. From new trade deals to challenges against tariff policy and first sale threats, Cindy explains what’s changing and where there are signs of hope.​
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
New trade deals and tariff shifts
A U.S.–Taiwan deal capping total tariffs at 15% (either limiting MFN above 15% or applying 15% where MFN is lower).
Details emerging on agreements with Guatemala, El Salvador, Argentina, and an India deal rolling back some reciprocal tariffs tied to India’s Russian oil purchases.​
Where to find official text and specifics: USTR’s website.​
Border infrastructure and electronic bonds
The administration’s threat to block the opening of the long‑planned Gordie Howe Bridge between Detroit and Ontario over funding/ownership disputes, and why Canada and Michigan intend to proceed regardless.
How this new public crossing will compete with the privately owned Ambassador Bridge for billions in daily cross‑border trade.​
CBP’s move to mandate electronic surety bond filing for all bonds, formalizing what many brokers, importers, and sureties already do—and why Cindy strongly supports it.​
Section 232 guidance softens (slightly)
New CBP guidance on 232 tariffs for steel, aluminum, and copper, dialing back earlier aggressive interpretations.
Trade groups have received written clarification allowing certain labor/overhead costs to be prorated into steel/aluminum values instead of fully loaded, even as petitioners continue to argue that none of those costs should be included.
Why importers should review the latest guidance carefully, track affected entries, and monitor the ongoing Court of International Trade challenge.​
USMCA and IEPA signals from Capitol Hill
Senate Finance Committee signaling support for extending USMCA, seeking stability before any renegotiation, while the administration is rumored to prefer separate bilateral deals with Canada and Mexico.​
The House vote to end IEPA duties on Canada for certain non‑USMCA goods—a positive step toward predictability, though the bill still must clear the Senate and avoid a presidential veto.​
First sale under threat
Introduction of a bill to eliminate first sale, driven by some of the same groups that pushed to curtail de minimis and oppose duty‑reducing mechanisms generally.
Why this is significant: many large importers rely on first sale, provide extensive upstream data to CBP, and enable deeper supply‑chain visibility and risk management.
Trade associations have already begun weighing in to defend first sale; Cindy flags this as a fight to watch closely.​
EU deal conditions and a big auto bill
The EU moving its U.S. tariff deal through lawmakers but adding elements like sunset deadlines and “security triggers” that go beyond earlier negotiating language.​
Ford announcing an expected 900 million dollar 232‑related tariff hit after previously anticipated automotive offsets were disallowed for several months—raising questions about how other automakers will fare and whether Ford might push back through protests or litigation.​
Global trade up, U.S. trade down
Conference insights from Manifest: global trade volumes are rising overall, but trade into the U.S. is declining, as exporters pivot to other markets they perceive as less costly and less complex.
This trend aligns with a surge in trade deals worldwide that do not include the U.S.​
Why “State of Grace”?
Cindy connects the week’s developments to Taylor Swift’s “State of Grace,” highlighting the line: “I never saw you coming and I’ll never be the same. This is a state of grace, this is a worthwhile fight.” She uses this to frame:
How studies now confirm what many suspected—U.S. consumers have already paid roughly 1,000 dollars more due to tariffs, with an additional 1,300 dollars expected in the coming year.
How tariffs are hitting companies and rural communities: constrained exports for U.S. agriculture, rising small‑farm bankruptcies, and knock‑on impacts to local economies.
Research showing that about 90% of tariff costs are passed from suppliers to U.S. importers, then to consumers, and even to manufacturers who never import directly but rely on tariff‑burdened inputs.​
Despite this, she sees reasons for cautious optimism:
Companies challenging IEPA and 232 in court.
Large players like Ford publicly quantifying tariff impacts.
Congress beginning to reassert its constitutional role over tariffs and question security‑based justifications used as broad economic tools.
Early, coordinated pushback against eliminating first sale—stronger than what was seen around de minimis.​
For Cindy, these developments suggest the industry may be entering a state of grace—a moment where data, legal challenges, and coordinated advocacy start to rebalance the conversation and make the fight for smarter trade policy worth it.​
CreditsHost: Cindy AllenProducer: Annik Sobing
Presented by: Global Training Center
Sponsor: PAX AI ​
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ATCC 2026 Recap: Trade War, AI, USMCA & What’s Keeping Compliance Leaders Up at Night

Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano
Guests: Jill Roseman & Darie Achstein ConwayEpisode: ST440Length: ~42 minutes
Episode Summary
What happens when some of the sharpest minds in trade compliance gather in one room?
In this special recap episode, Andy and Lalo sit down with trade compliance leaders Jill Roseman and Darie Achstein Conway to unpack the biggest takeaways from the 2026 Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance (ATCC) Conference.
From “Trump 2.0” trade policies to stacked Section 232/301 tariffs, AI in customs enforcement, USMCA uncertainty, cartel-related compliance risk, and the explosive rise in executive-level attention to trade — this episode highlights why compliance is no longer sitting in the corner.
If you’ve ever wondered whether conferences are worth the investment… this conversation may change your mind.
Meet the Guests
Jill Roseman
A seasoned global trade compliance leader with 20+ years of experience across chemicals, pharmaceuticals (pet and human health), policy work, M&A, and global program development. Jill brings a strategic perspective on mitigation strategies, first sale for export, and executive communication in today’s trade environment.
Darie Achstein Conway
A longtime trade compliance expert with more than 30 years in manufacturing and technology, with deep expertise in exports and encryption licensing. Darie is also an instructor with Global Training Center and brings both industry wisdom and fresh insights on AI, automation, and the next generation of trade professionals.
Key Discussion Highlights
Trade War Reality: What’s Actually Happening?
Section 232 and 301 stacking
Mitigation strategies (including First Sale for Export)
How to translate trade policy into executive-level language
Why compliance teams are suddenly front and center in corporate strategy
AI Is Here — And Customs Is Already Using It
AI-driven HTS classification
Automation expectations from brokers, 3PLs, and carriers
Why companies not leveraging automation risk falling behind
The importance of verification and documentation when using AI
Executive Awareness Is Rising
Directors and VPs taking compliance training
Trade compliance now touching every business function: procurement, finance, HR, legal, IT, logistics
The importance of bringing compliance into sourcing and strategic planning conversations early
USMCA & Mexico Policy Developments
Keynote insights from former Mexican Ambassador Bárbara González
70% changes to Mexico’s constitution
Potential implications of cartel designation as terrorist organizations
What this could mean for forced labor-style scrutiny and due diligence
The Power of Conferences
Why sending multiple compliance team members matters
Splitting tracks and comparing notes
The value of networking in complex, fast-changing regulatory environments
Why one conference per year may no longer be enough
Top Takeaways
Trade compliance is now a board-level conversation.
AI is reshaping both enforcement and compliance workflows.
Mitigation strategies require constant monitoring.
Conferences aren’t optional anymore — they’re strategic investments.
Even seasoned professionals walk away humbled — and sharper.
Resources
Learn more about the Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance (ATCC) conference via Deleon Trade
Explore compliance education programs at Global Training Center
Credits
Hosts:Andy ShilesLalo Solorzano
Produced by: Global Training Center
Podcast: Simply Trade
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[TIPS] Audit Automation & Defensible Compliance

Trade & Tech Series – Episode 4
Hosts:Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie ParksHammer and Heels
Length: ~12 minutesFormat: Simply Trade Tips (Trade & Tech series)
Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks dive into the evolving role of audit automation in global trade compliance — and why traditional, reactive auditing models are no longer enough.
With increased enforcement focus from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice, companies can no longer rely on trust-based assertions or post-liquidation corrections. Instead, trade compliance is shifting from passive, after-the-fact reviews to active, continuous validation powered by technology and AI.
Renee and Julie break down how automated audit controls can help companies defend tariff positions, validate origin and classification claims, and identify risk before it becomes an enforcement issue — all while freeing human auditors to focus on higher-value analysis.
Key Topics Covered
Why audit programs are now a regulatory expectation, not a “nice to have”
DOJ and CBP enforcement priorities impacting import compliance
The limits of traditional sample-based audits and post-liquidation fixes
What audit automation really means in trade compliance
Using technology to continuously validate:
Classification
Valuation
Country of origin
FTA eligibility
Trade remedy exposure
How ERP data changes can impact compliance in real time
The importance of defensibility over perfection
Why AI doesn’t replace judgment — it enhances it
Data readiness: understanding what data you actually have before deploying AI tools
Key Takeaways
Compliance today is about proof, not assertions
Regulators don’t expect zero errors — they expect reasonable, documented controls
Audit automation helps identify risk before entry finalization or liquidation
Technology enables trade teams to review more data with fewer resources
Human auditors are still critical — automation removes low-value tasks so they can focus on what matters most
Defensible audit programs protect both the company and leadership
This Episode’s FIO (Figure It Out)
Pause and kick the tires on audit automation.
Identify one provider or tool
Understand what comparisons they can run using your existing data
Evaluate what low-hanging fruit automation can remove from your auditors’ workload
Use technology to enhance — not replace — human expertise
Even testing one tool can reshape how you think about audit readiness and defensibility.
Join the Conversation
How are you auditing your trade data today?Are you still relying on samples and spreadsheets — or moving toward continuous validation?
Join the discussion in the Trade Geeks Community and let us know how you’re approaching audit automation.
Credits
Hosts:Renée ChiuchiarelliJulie Parks
Producer:Lalo Solorzano
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Presented by:Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals.
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Trade Geeks Community
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[ROUNDUP] Tariffs, Trust Issues & USMCA 2.0 with Joshua Beker

Host: Annik SobingGuest: Joshua BekerPublished: February 6, 2026Length: ~20 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
ATCC 2026: Cookies, Customs Law, and Why Trade is Suddenly Sexy
Live from Day 3 of the Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance (ATCC) Conference in Houston, Annik sits down with trade lawyer Joshua Beker from Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP Law Firm (met thanks to their irresistible local cookies). Joshua shares how he accidentally fell into trade law before it was "cool," why kids are now chasing trade careers, and what brokers/importers need to fix right nowamid tariff chaos.​
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How Joshua stumbled into trade law during school and now gets constant "how do I become a trade lawyer?" messages from students
Why 2018's first 301 tariffs (2.5% → 25%) made everyone suddenly care about duties—and 2026's even wilder environment is drawing new talent
Common mistakes still killing companies: Chinese-labeled boxes from "Vietnam," missing factory photos, zero origin verification
The compliance "magnifying glass": origin, valuation, classification now mean 50% duty swings under USMCA if you get it wrong
Trust crisis aftermath: 2025's Truth Social posts that went nowhere (Canada 100%, Korea hikes, India rollback)—how to rebuild process confidence
Cross-functional training is non-negotiable: engineers, finance, procurement mustunderstand why compliance asks for BOMs/pictures/policies
ATCC value for brokers: quick expert guidance on 232 valuations (CBP guidance often thin), E&O help, license audits, client advising (auto/steel/furniture/medical)
Joshua's 2026 Predictions:
Retraction/scale-back of aggressive trade actions (already starting)
IEEPA case decision post-State of the Union
USMCA renegotiation: all 3 countries want updates—lobby now via public comments (it works—tariff shift rules already changed from past efforts)
Policies aren't static: build living procedures that adapt monthly, assign owners, train cross-functionally
ATCC Highlights (Houston, Feb 2026):Joshua emphasizes ATCC's blend of C-suite policy + operational "how-to-file-today" sessions with lawyers/brokers/importers. Global networking (Canada/Brazil/Mexico/Adidas reps) creates crisis-call contacts. For Southern border brokers, it's essential intel to serve auto/steel/furniture/medical clients amid monthly rule shifts.
Key Takeaways:Trade law went from invisible to hot overnight—leverage conferences like ATCC to upskill fastStart fixing compliance with education: get lawyers in front of decision-makers, scare with penalties, build policiesCross-train everyone—they don't need expertise, just enough to escalate red flags and support compliance asksLobbying works: USMCA tariff shift changes prove public comments shape outcomes—submit yours nowATCC isn't optional for brokers/importers—it's where you translate big-picture chaos into industry-specific procedures
Resources & Mentions:
Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP: customs practice, broker E&O, audits, rulings
ATCC Conference: advanced customs compliance, Houston 2026
PaxAI & Global Training Center: Simply Trade Podcast Sponsors
Presented by: Global Training Center​
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Podcast page: https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/simply-trade-podcast​
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[Cindy's Version] Long Live Trade & Friends

Host: Cindy AllenGuests: Heather Litman & Sandra Langford-CotyShow: Simply Trade – Cindy’s VersionPublished: February 6, 2026Length: ~13 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Long Live: Celebrating Trade Wins with Your Industry Crew
Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, delivers this week’s rapid-fire trade update through the lens of Taylor Swift’s “Long Live”—a song about shared victories and the bonds that make them possible. From congressional pushback on exclusions to critical minerals zones and a surprising U.S.-China thaw, Cindy breaks down what happened and what’s next.​
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Express Carrier Bill faces pushbackPeter Navarro publicly opposes the bill for simplified clearance parity with USPS, calling de minimis a zombie issue that “won’t die.”​
Congress demands exclusion transparencySenator Wyden’s letter calls the Section 232 exclusion process secretive and confusing—good news that Congress may step in for importers/exporters.​
USMCA hearing next weekSenate Finance Committee will hear from pro-trade voices and domestic industry reps—watch for outcomes that could impact the agreement.​
EU moves fast on U.S. trade dealEU Parliament takes up negotiations internally to beat deadlines and avoid tariff retaliation seen with other countries.​
HTS updates publishedInternational Trade Commission released food/pharma changes effective February 1—check if you’re impacted via the International Trade Administration.​
Critical minerals preferential zoneAdministration (led by VP JD Vance) exploring enforceable price floors at every production stage—no details yet.​
India IEPA tariff reductions pendingRumored drop from 50% total to 18%, but no Federal Register notice or CSMS message yet—stay tuned for implementation guidance.​
U.S.-China relations thaw?Administration calls recent talks “extremely good,” signaling stability for China importers after a year of mixed signals.​
Why “Long Live”?Cindy ties the week’s developments to “Long Live,” focusing on celebrating successes with friends—especially critical now when industry networks help navigate chaos. Conferences and associations aren’t just for learning; they’re where you build the relationships that get you through volatile times.​
Key Takeaways:
Momentum is building for more congressional oversight on exclusion processes—positive for transparency.​
Check HTS food/pharma updates immediately if affected; they’re already live.​
Critical minerals zone and India tariff details will drop soon—track Federal Register and CSMS closely.​
U.S.-China tone shift could mean stability, but verify with primary sources before adjusting strategy.​
Build your trade network now—when rules change monthly, friends in the industry are your real compliance superpower.​
 
Presented by: Global Training Center​
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[TIPS] Automation, Accuracy & the Future of Import/Export Filing

Hosts
Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks
Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee and Julie dive deeper into the intersection of trade and technology, focusing on how automation is reshaping import and export filing. From data ingestion and rules-based validation to AI-powered audit trails and workflow automation, they unpack where technology adds value—and where human judgment is still essential.
This conversation makes one thing clear: automation isn’t about replacing trade professionals—it’s about eliminating rework, improving accuracy, and exposing bad data faster. Renee and Julie also explore how governments are leveraging AI and machine learning at scale, raising the stakes for importers and exporters to modernize their compliance processes.
Key Topics Covered
Why most filing errors come from disconnected systems, not bad intent
Where automation shows up in customs declarations:
Data ingestion from ERP, supplier, and logistics systems
Rules-based validation (HS, origin, value checks)
AI-driven document digitization and data extraction
Different automation models in trade:
Customs filing platforms
Global Trade Management (GTM) systems
Broker-provided technology and hybrid outsource models
APIs vs. EDI and the evolution of data exchange
The role of AI and machine learning in:
Pattern recognition
Risk detection
Audit readiness and version control
How governments are using advanced technology to:
Screen transactions in real time
Apply compliance more consistently across ports
Why automation accelerates good decisions—but exposes bad master data even faster
Key Takeaways
Automation improves consistency and speed, but does not replace regulatory judgment
Clean master data remains critical—technology can’t fix broken inputs
Leveraging broker technology can be a smart option for companies with limited budgets
Importers and exporters must modernize to keep pace with government enforcement tools
AI should be viewed as a strategic ally, not a threat, in trade compliance
This Week’s FIO (Figure It Out)
Pick one area of your trade process—classification, filing, auditing, FTAs, or document management—and kick the tires on automation.
Request a demo
Explore how AI could reduce rework
Evaluate whether broker, GTM, or hybrid models make sense for your organization
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s understanding what’s possible.
Join the Conversation
Head over to the Trade Geeks Community and tell us:
What area of automation are you exploring?
What surprised you most about today’s discussion?
Credits
Hosts:Renee ChiuchiarelliJulie Parks
Producer:Lalo Solorzano
 Subscribe & Follow
New Simply Trade Tips episodes drop every Tuesday.
Presented by:Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals.
Connect With Us
Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn
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Trade Geeks Community
💬 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

ICPA Compliance Corazón: New Board Members, Careers, and a Fiesta of Global Trade

Host: Annik SobingGuests: Elisabeth Sherrell, Alicia Bryant, Kelsey MoraskiPublished: February 2026Length: ~30 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Partnership with ICPA 
ICPA Compliance Corazón: Community, Careers, and a Fiesta of Global Trade
In this special Simply Trade Roundup, Annik sits down with ICPA’s new executive director, Elisabeth Sherrell, and board members Alicia Bryant and Kelsey Moraski to talk about what makes ICPA such a unique home for trade compliance professionals—and what to expect at the 2026 ICPA Annual Conference, “Compliance Corazón: Fiesta of Global Trade,” in San Antonio. From career-defining connections to real-world problem solving over breakfast, this episode shines a light on the people, purpose, and heart behind ICPA.​
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Who’s who at ICPA now
Meet new executive director Elisabeth Sherrell and board members Alicia Bryant (Edgewell Personal Care) and Kelsey Moraski (global trade, supply chain, and risk).
Why each of them joined the ICPA board and how they see the mission evolving.​
Why ICPA matters for your career
How attending ICPA conferences helped Alicia earn her customs broker license and expand her role into broker auditing, FTAs, and classification.
Why Kelsey calls ICPA one of the few places where people truly understand the real risk and gray areas compliance professionals live in every day.​
Inside the 2026 ICPA Annual Conference – San Antonio
Dates: March 1–4, 2026 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio on the River Walk.
Theme: “Compliance Corazón – Fiesta of Global Trade” with a strong focus on community, culture, and practical problem solving.
Content highlights: deep dives on Canada (including CARM and current China‑related developments), regional customs updates (e.g., Latin America sessions led by experts like Brenda Cordova), technology and AI in trade compliance, and navigating today’s “most exciting and challenging” era for trade.​
Registration is still open, but the hotel is smaller and spots are filling fast, with many attendees registering in the last 45 days. Virtual attendance remains an option for those who cannot travel.​
Culture, community, and the “Voices of Compliance”
How ICPA grew from an idea shared by Elisabeth’s mom and co‑founder Linda into a global community where people show up for each other—professionally and personally.
Plans to honor Elisabeth’s mother in San Antonio with a memorial moment and a new Voices of Compliance performance: a rewritten “Deep in the Heart of Texas” celebrating tariffs and trade (yes, with audience clapping).​
Stories of members supporting each other through life events and why “compliance with heart” isn’t just a tagline.​
Problem solving in person
Why the real magic of ICPA happens in the hallways and at breakfast tables: people bring real problems, not just citations, and work through them together.
Kelsey’s Alex Honnold analogy: compliance pros as the climbers who truly understand the risk, and ICPA as the rare room where everyone “speaks the same language.”​
Building the next generation of trade professionals
How ICPA is actively bringing students and early‑career professionals into the fold, including full conference scholarships (like for student Jake Boggs, who left with multiple job offers).
Elisabeth’s 20‑year vision: seeing “trade compliance professional” standing alongside firefighter and nurse on career day—and why she wants to introduce more young people to this path.​
Hot topics Alicia and Kelsey are watching at ICPA
Technology and AI: why you can’t just “slap tech” on broken processes—garbage in, garbage out—and how companies are really rolling out tools in compliance.
Volatility and gray areas: how different companies are interpreting risk, handling USMCA changes, and navigating fast‑moving geopolitical shifts, especially in Canada and beyond.​
ICPA Conference Details
2026 ICPA Annual Conference – Compliance Corazón: Fiesta of Global Trade
Dates: March 1–4, 2026
Location: Grand Hyatt San Antonio, River Walk
Format: In‑person with virtual option
Focus: Practical sessions, regional experts, technology, risk, and a strong emphasis on networking, mentorship, and community.​
ICPA Europe Conference
Location: Dresden Germany, April 8-10, Hilton ​
CreditsHost: Annik SobingGuests: Elisabeth Sherrell, Alicia Bryant, Kelsey MoraskiProducer: 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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Questions about ICPA or the conference? Reach out to ICPA leadership or message us and we’ll connect you.

[Cindy's Version] Exile feat.The United States

Host: Cindy AllenShow: Simply Trade – Cindy’s VersionPublished: January 30, 2026Length: ~13 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Exile: Is the U.S. Being Traded Around?
In this week’s Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, unpacks one of the busiest weeks we’ve seen in international trade—and frames it all through the lens of Taylor Swift’s song “Exile.” From fresh tariff threats to shifting alliances and possible government shutdowns, Cindy explains why it’s starting to feel like the United States is watching global trade move on without us.​
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
New U.S. tariff threats tied to Cuban oil
Announcement of tariffs on countries that sell or buy oil from Cuba and why this may largely hit usual suspects like Venezuela and Russia.​
Trade partners going “around” the U.S.
How the UK’s outreach to China and Canada’s new deal with China signal a trend of countries pursuing their own economic interests directly with Beijing.​
Canada under pressure—again
Trump’s 100% tariff threat on Canadian goods over the China deal and the newer threat to decertify Canadian-made jets until Gulfstream aircraft are certified in Canada—and why both moves raise legal and practical questions.​
Shifting tariff landscapes
Guatemala and El Salvador trade deals and expected rate ranges.
Possible hike back to 25% on South Korean goods if their trade deal isn’t approved.
Potential rollback of the 25% tariff on India tied to Russian oil purchases.​
232 duties and a big valuation court fight
Why CBP centers are informally pushing an “all-in” cost model (materials, labor, manufacturing) for steel, aluminum, and now copper derivatives—and how that conflicts with the 232 declaration language.
The new Court of International Trade case challenging that interpretation and what it could mean for importers paying 232 on components.
Why many companies are considering filing protests now to preserve their rights pending the outcome—and why you need to talk to your own counsel.​
ACE refunds are coming—ready or not
Electronic refunds are set to go live February 6.
What importers need to do with their brokers and 4811 setup, and why brokers must confirm their own information is on file in ACE.
The big question: what happens to refunds if the setup is incomplete?​
EU deal on pause
Why the EU is putting its U.S. deal “on hold” and how that could trigger a return to higher tariffs if the U.S. responds like it has with South Korea.​
Hill updates: express couriers and DHS funding
A new bill proposal for simplified declarations on express shipments under 600 dollars, and what it could mean if you use or compete with express couriers.
The looming DHS/CBP funding issue, the likelihood of a shutdown, and what a shutdown typically means for cargo processing versus outreach and meetings.​
Why “Exile”?Cindy connects the week’s news to “Exile,” focusing on the line, “You were my town, now I’m in exile seeing you out.” She explores how U.S. policy is driven by a belief that the country has been taken advantage of and needs to re-shore manufacturing and secure critical sectors, while much of the world sees it as a pullback from free trade and trade facilitation that once underpinned global stability.​
By contrasting these two perspectives—like the two voices in the song—Cindy argues the U.S. risks finding itself “in exile” as trade partners build new frameworks around us, and warns that we’ve “seen this film before” in history with outcomes that weren’t ideal.​
Key Takeaways:
Expect more volatility in tariffs and trade relationships as the U.S. pushes assertive trade tools and partners seek alternative paths.​
Importers dealing with 232 duties on steel, aluminum, and copper inputs should closely watch the new court case and coordinate with counsel on protest strategy.​
ACE electronic refunds are an opportunity and a risk—data and 4811 setups must be right to avoid missing money you’re owed.​
Even in a shutdown, cargo should keep moving, but engagement with CBP and DHS will be limited.​
Strategically, the U.S. may be drifting into a kind of trade “exile”—and it’s critical for companies to understand both the domestic narrative and how the rest of the world is reacting.
-------- 
Presented by: Global Training Center​
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Unlocking Trade Documents: How DocUnlock Uses AI to Tackle Compliance Chaos

Hosts:
Andy Shiles
Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s):
Jack Moberger, Co-Founder, DocUnlock
Ned Cartmell, Co-Founder, DocUnlock
Sepehr Fakour, Co-Founder, DocUnlock
Published: January 2026Length: ~40 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade, Andy and Lalo sit down with the founders of DocUnlock to explore one of the most painful realities in global trade: document chaos.
From commercial invoices and packing lists to certificates, statements, and agency-specific requirements, trade compliance still lives in PDFs, emails, spreadsheets, and inboxes. Jack, Ned, and Sepehr break down how DocUnlock is using AI to extract, structure, validate, and operationalize trade documents — turning static paperwork into usable compliance data.
The conversation dives into real-world brokerage and importer pain points, why “document accuracy” is no longer enough, and how automation is shifting expectations across customs, PGAs, and supply chain partners. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dealing with high-volume imports, broker workflows, or compliance teams stretched thin.
Key Takeaways
Trade compliance is still dominated by unstructured documents — and that’s the bottleneck.
AI can extract and normalize data without replacing trade expertise.
Document automation reduces risk, speeds releases, and improves audit readiness.
Brokers and importers benefit differently — but both win when documents are usable data.
The future of compliance isn’t fewer documents — it’s smarter ones.
What DocUnlock Is Solving
Commercial invoices & packing lists
Certificates & trade declarations
Broker-importer document handoffs
Audit readiness & data traceability
Scaling compliance without scaling headcount
Resources & Mentions
DocUnlock – AI-powered trade document automation👉 https://www.docunlock.com
Jack Moberger, Co-Founder, DocUnlock👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmoberger/
Ned Cartmell, Co-Founder, DocUnlock👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-cartmell-91179711/
Sepehr Fakour, Co-Founder, DocUnlock👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sepehr-f/
Global Training Center – Trade & compliance education👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/
Credits
Hosts:
Andy Shiles – https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/
Lalo Solorzano – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalo-solorzano/
Guests:
Jack Moberger (DocUnlock) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmoberger/
Ned Cartmell (DocUnlock) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-cartmell-91179711/
Sepehr Fakour (DocUnlock) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sepehr-f/
Produced by:
Global Training Center – https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/
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Global Training Center on LinkedIn👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
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Trade Geeks Community👉 https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

[TIPS] Trade & Tech Series: Using Technology to Unlock Duty Mitigators

Episode Title: Trade & Tech Series: Using Technology to Unlock Duty MitigatorsHosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks (Hammer & Heels)Published Date: January 27, 2026Episode Length: ~11 minutesSeries: Trade & Tech
🔍 Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee and Julie dive into duty mitigators and how technology is transforming the way trade professionals manage voluntary customs programs. From drawback and foreign trade zones to Chapter 98 provisions and free trade agreements, the conversation focuses on how tech-enabled subprocesses can reduce risk, improve compliance, and make mitigator programs operationally feasible.
The key takeaway? Mitigators aren’t just about duty savings — they’re about building smart, data-driven compliance strategies that align labor, systems, and business objectives.
📌 Key Topics Covered
What duty mitigators really are — and why they’re often misunderstood
The role of voluntary programs in customs compliance
How technology supports complex mitigators like:
Drawback programs
Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs)
Chapter 98 provisions (including TIBs and returns)
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
First Sale for Export
Why accurate HTS classification is a mitigator in itself
How tech helps create stronger business cases for mitigator programs
In-house vs. outsourced compliance — and why tech matters in both
💡 Key Takeaways
Mitigators require structured subprocesses — technology makes them scalable
Tech connects core business systems so import and export data work together
Good data in = good data out (and bad data creates risk fast)
Mitigators shouldn’t be dismissed due to overhead — tech changes the math
Asking vendors how they leverage technology can impact pricing and value
🛠️ This Week’s FIO (Figure It Out)
Pick one mitigator and analyze it using your own data.
Review your ACE data or internal trade data
Identify one potential mitigator (drawback, FTZ, TIB, FTA, etc.)
Determine if your import and export activity supports it
Assess whether technology could make it viable and compliant
Remember: not all mitigators apply to all duties — understanding eligibility is key.
🌐 Join the Conversation
Be part of the discussion inside the Trade Geeks Community and let us know how your FIO analysis goes. We’ll be sharing episodes, insights, and real-world trade conversations there.
👉 Trade Geeks Community: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/
🎤 Credits
Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli
Julie Parks
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
🎧 Subscribe & Follow
New Simply Trade Tips episodes every Tuesday.
Presented by:Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals.
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Trade Geeks Community
💬 Don’t forget to rate, review & share with your fellow trade geeks!
💡 Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?
📧 Email us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com🐦 Follow us on X (Twitter): @SimplyTradePod