Simply Trade

[Cindy's Version] A Trade Mastermind

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: Friday, January 16, 2026Segment: Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version (song: “Mastermind”)
In this episode of Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen uses Taylor Swift’s “Mastermind” to explore how intentional strategy—rather than accident—must drive both trade compliance and career development in 2026. She opens with a packed week in trade: the newly released semiconductor Section 232 action (where most chips are ultimately exempt but only after highly technical, engineering‑level analysis), a new Taiwan trade deal setting a 15% limit on imports (including auto parts) broadly aligned with South Korea, Japan, and the EU, and complex exemption mechanics for companies investing in U.S. semiconductor capacity that sit largely outside normal brokerage workflows.​
Cindy also updates listeners on continuing steel and aluminum valuation confusion—especially for components embedded in larger products—where CBP centers have held seminars but importers still struggle to see how to reach a defensible “reasonable care” standard. She notes that IEPA Supreme Court “decision watch” continues after yet another false alarm, mentions emerging chatter about possible duties on countries doing business with Iran (with almost no details available yet), and flags renewed legislative movement in Washington, including a potential AGOA/Haiti package and customs modernization/21CCF concepts championed by Senator Cassidy to give CBP new tools and drive better tech and visibility (ideally with real facilitation alongside enforcement).​
On the policy‑and‑politics front, Cindy briefly highlights breaking comments from President Trump floating tariffs on countries opposing U.S. acquisition of Greenland, underscoring how quickly trade risk can be introduced into the conversation—even before formal measures appear. She then shares personal reflections from the APEC A2C2 meeting in Mexico City, where she joined government and private‑sector representatives from Asia‑Pacific, Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., and was surprised and humbled to meet international listeners of Cindy’s Version in person.​
Tying it back to “Mastermind,” Cindy argues that trade compliance is a team sport: it relies on internal partners (procurement, logistics, product design, strategy, C‑suite) and external partners (brokers, trade associations, fellow practitioners) working together with intention, not by accident. She urges trade professionals to “level up” and become masterminds of both their company’s trade strategy and their own careers—building networks through conferences, local associations, and forums, and even creating new communities where none exist, as seen in the new Memphis customs brokers association under Amber Hagwood’s leadership. Cindy closes with a smile, embracing a new label she picked up in Mexico City: “trade social influencer”—and encouraging listeners to mastermind their own next chapter.​
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Key details and practical implications of the semiconductor 232 action and the new Taiwan trade deal, including complex exemptions for U.S. semiconductor investments.​
Where steel/aluminum component valuation stands, why “reasonable care” feels murky, and how CBP–trade communication is evolving.​
The latest on IEPA decision timing rumors, possible duties linked to Iran‑related trade, and movement on AGOA, Haiti, and 21CCF‑style customs modernization.​
Why trade compliance is a team sport that requires cross‑functional and external collaboration, not isolated heroics.​
How to apply the “Mastermind” mindset to your trade program and career—intentionally building networks, communities, and influence.​
Key Takeaways
Semiconductor and Taiwan measures add yet another layer of technical and policy complexity, especially for high‑tech and auto supply chains.​
Reasonable care expectations are rising while guidance remains incomplete, making documentation, dialogue, and industry engagement critical.​
Legislative and political signals (from AGOA to Greenland tariffs) can quickly reshape risk; staying plugged into credible sources and associations is essential.​
Trade pros should see themselves not just as problem solvers, but as masterminds of strategy, community building, and their own professional journey.​
Presented by: Global Training Center​
Listen & Subscribe
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Connect with Simply Trade
Podcast page: https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/simply-trade-podcast​
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod​
Join the Trade Geeks Community
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[ROUNDUP] Inside Europe’s Trade Training Revolution with Patrick Nieveler

Host: Annik SobingGuest: Patrick Nieveler, CEO of Pasani AcademyPublished: January 2026Length: ~20 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Special Sponsor: PAX AI 
In this Simply Trade News Roundup, host Annik Sobing talks with Patrick Nieveler, CEO of Pasani Academy, a European training organization focused on customs and foreign trade law, about how trade compliance education is evolving across the EU. Patrick explains how he went from heading European customs for a German automotive manufacturer to founding Pasani after realizing that traditional two‑day, in‑person seminars were too broad and inefficient for busy cross‑functional teams like purchasing, sales, and R&D. Pasani instead built short, digital e‑learning modules (60–90 minutes) tailored to specific roles, along with update content for seasoned customs experts as laws change.​
The conversation compares EU and U.S. approaches to training, noting that while systems differ, core topics like export controls, tariffs, and classification are strikingly similar—and that cross‑jurisdictional knowledge is increasingly vital in a globalized supply chain. Patrick highlights current hot topics driving demand in Europe: Russia and Iran sanctions, the EU Green Deal framework (including CBAM, deforestation, and eco‑design rules), and the upcoming multi‑year overhaul of EU customs law expected to roll out between 2028 and 2038, with initial frameworks anticipated in 2026. He also stresses that these “non‑customs” environmental and product rules still directly impact customs declarations and clearance processes.​
Patrick and Annik discuss how companies are using Pasani’s blended learning model—baseline e‑learning plus targeted live sessions—to ensure participants arrive with common foundational knowledge, preventing advanced learners from being bored and beginners from being left behind. They also explore why trade professionals on both sides of the Atlantic should understand each other’s regimes: EU exporters handling U.S.‑origin goods must respect U.S. rules, and U.S. firms trading with the EU must consider EU‑specific obligations.​
AI features prominently as well. Patrick shares how Pasani uses large language models to translate courses into multiple EU languages and is developing an AI chatbot that can answer day‑to‑day questions, point users to relevant training modules, and help bridge the gap between theory and real‑world decision‑making—while still requiring human review and judgment.​
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why Patrick founded Pasani Academy and how short, role‑specific e‑learning fills a gap for cross‑functional trade training in Europe.​
How EU and U.S. customs/trade compliance systems compare, and why cross‑jurisdictional training is becoming essential.​
The top EU training topics right now: Russia/Iran sanctions, CBAM and Green Deal rules, deforestation and eco‑design regulations, and the planned EU customs law reform.​
How blended learning (baseline e‑learning + live sessions) solves the mixed‑knowledge problem in corporate training groups.​
How AI is being used to translate courses, support on‑the‑job Q&A, and connect everyday questions to deeper training content—without replacing human oversight.​
Key Takeaways
Trade compliance education needs to reach far beyond the “customs team” to purchasing, sales, R&D, management, and more.​
EU environmental and product regulations (like CBAM) may not be classic customs rules, but they directly affect import/export declarations.​
Both U.S. and EU companies benefit when they understand each other’s legal frameworks, especially for export controls and product flows.​
AI is already reshaping how training is delivered and used, but its outputs still need to be checked and contextualized by humans.​
CreditsHost: Annik SobingGuest: Patrick Nieveler – CEO, Pasani Academy
Subscribe & FollowNew Roundup episodes every week.Presented by: Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
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[TIPS] Trade & Tech: Setting the Foundation

Series: Trade & TechnologyEpisode: Trade & Tech – Episode 1: Setting the Foundation
Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli
Julie Parks
Podcast: Simply TradeProduced by: Global Training Center
Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade Tips with Hammer & Heels, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks kick off a brand-new series focused on Trade & Technology. As technology continues to reshape how trade compliance is managed, this episode provides a high-level overview of where tech fits into the trade function — and why trade professionals can no longer afford to ignore it.
The conversation explores how technology (including AI, automation, and analytics) supports better decision-making, reduces compliance risk, and shifts trade professionals toward more strategic, value-added work. Renee and Julie also address a common concern head-on: Is technology replacing trade jobs — or making them better?
This episode sets the stage for deeper dives in upcoming episodes, introducing key areas where technology is already transforming trade operations.
Key Topics Covered
Why trade and technology are now inseparable
AI vs. traditional technology: understanding the difference
How technology helps prevent compliance errors
Government use of data and why companies must stay ahead
The shift from transaction-level work to exception management
Specialization vs. variety in modern trade careers
How technology supports strategic trade decision-making
Areas Where Technology Impacts Trade (Preview of Upcoming Episodes)
Products: Managing “sticky data” like classification, origin, and attributes
Entities: Screening, supply chain tracing, and partner data
Importing & Exporting: Transaction execution and integration
Mitigators: Free Trade Agreements, Chapter 98/99, duty reduction programs
Auditing: Post-entry review, ERP reconciliation, and compliance checks
Learning & Development: LMS tools, skills tracking, and continuing education
FIO (Figure It Out) – Call to Action
Think about one trade problem you would like technology to help solve.It could relate to:
Products
Entities
Importing or exporting processes
Duty mitigation programs
Auditing and compliance reviews
Training and skills development
As this series continues, use that problem as your reference point and evaluate how technology might support a smarter, more efficient solution.
👉 Join the conversation in the Trade Geeks Community and share what problem you’re trying to solve:https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Resources & Links
Simply Trade Podcast (all episodes):
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
Global Training Center:https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Trade Geeks Community:https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Credits
Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli
Julie Parks
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
🎙️ Simply Trade is a podcast by Global Training Center, bringing practical insights to trade and customs professionals worldwide.
Subscribe & Follow
🎙️ New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.
Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.
Connect with us:
Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn
Global Training Center on LinkedIn
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Trade Geeks Community
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!
📩 Want to be on the show or suggest a topic?Email us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or DM us on X/Twitter @SimplyTradePod

Simply Trade x The Trade Guys: One Messy Trade Year

Special Collaboration: Simply Trade × The Trade Guys
Episode: #423Recorded: January 12, 2026Length: ~40 minutes
👥 Hosts
Lalo Solorzano, Co-Host, Simply Trade
Andy Shiles, Co-Host, Simply Trade
🎧 Guest Hosts (The Trade Guys)
Bill Reinsch – Senior Adviser, CSIS | LinkedIn
Scott Miller – Senior Adviser, CSIS | LinkedIn
The Trade Guys Podcast – A CSIS Production | Podcast Page
📌 Episode Summary
Simply Trade kicks off 2026 with a special crossover episode featuring The Trade Guys, blending high-level trade policy analysis with real-world compliance and operational impact. Together, the group explores what’s already scheduled to happen in 2026 — without crystal-ball forecasting — focusing on four major global trade battlefronts that businesses must prepare for now.
From Supreme Court authority over tariffs to USMCA’s uncertain future, WTO dynamics, China’s global export strategy, and the erosion of de minimis, this episode connects policy decisions in Washington to the day-to-day realities faced by trade professionals.
🔍 Key Discussion Themes
⚖️ Separation of Powers: POTUS vs. SCOTUS vs. Congress
The looming IEEPA Supreme Court decision and what it could mean for tariff authority
Why a “split decision” could prolong uncertainty — especially around refunds
Whether Congress is prepared (or willing) to reassert its constitutional role in trade
🌎 The WTO & Global Trade Rules
Why the U.S. still needs the WTO — even if it dislikes multilateralism
The critical importance of the e-commerce tariff moratorium
How upcoming WTO Ministerial discussions may quietly shape U.S. trade strategy
🇨🇳 China vs. the Rest of the World
“Managed separation” between the U.S. and China
Why Chinese exports aren’t disappearing — they’re redirecting
How Mexico, the EU, and others are responding to China’s manufacturing surge
🇺🇸🇨🇦🇲🇽 USMCA: Family Feud, Trade Edition
Why a full withdrawal is unlikely — but renegotiation is inevitable
Scenarios ranging from bilateral deals to a 10-year extension cycle
The growing compliance burden for companies relying on USMCA benefits
📦 De Minimis & Trade Enforcement
How de minimis once saved the customs system — and why its rollback matters
Enforcement whiplash: seizures, investigations, and system congestion
Why “fixing abuse” shouldn’t mean breaking the entire system
🏛️ What Can Companies Actually Do?
Practical advice on engaging Congress before policies are announced
Why explaining trade in plain language to elected officials matters
The role of industry groups like NCBFAA and initiatives such as ADAPT
🎯 Key Takeaways
Trade policy uncertainty isn’t going away — it’s becoming the norm
Compliance professionals will increasingly absorb the shockwaves of policy decisions
Engagement, education, and advocacy are no longer optional for global businesses
🔗 Resources & Links
The Trade Guys Podcast (CSIS): https://www.csis.org/podcasts/trade-guys
🎬 Credits
Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles
Guest Hosts: Bill Reinsch & Scott Miller (The Trade Guys)
Produced by: Global Training Center
Podcast: Simply Trade
🔔 Subscribe & Follow
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[Cindy's Version] The Anti-Hero of Trade

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: Friday, January 9, 2026Segment: Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version (song: “Anti‑Hero”)
In this episode, Cindy Allen uses Taylor Swift’s “Anti‑Hero” to frame a frank look at how the trade community may be “the problem” when it over‑hypes uncertain outcomes—specifically, the long‑awaited Supreme Court decision on the IEPA tariffs. Cindy opens with a rundown of the first full week of 2026, focusing on growing confusion over valuation of steel and aluminum components for Section 232 duties and the wave of CBP Forms 28 and 29 now hitting importers. She highlights limited, high‑level CBP guidance, the strong FAQ work from NCBFAA, and cautions brokers not to drift into legal advice when it comes to component‑level valuation.​
Cindy then zooms out to reasonable care, arguing that CBP’s practical standard is rising because the agency now has sophisticated AI‑driven supply‑chain mapping tools that importers simply do not. As CBP expects more historic, component‑level data many importers never anticipated needing, companies are struggling to reach deep into multi‑tier supply chains where vendors themselves may not hold detailed records. She warns that technology investment will be essential to meet evolving expectations, even as the definition of “reasonable” shifts upward.​
The episode also touches on broader policy shifts, including a new FMC member and an importer registration/licensing bill floated as a possible alternative to tariffs—changes that could significantly expand CBP’s administrative responsibilities if enacted. Cindy closes by returning to “Anti‑Hero” and the IEPA Supreme Court case: after major trade publications and online chatter primed the industry for a decision that never came, she urges listeners not to become part of the problem by feeding speculation in unprecedented legal territory. Her own “crystal ball” points to a possible February decision, but with a clear warning to treat any prediction with caution and to focus instead on preparation, documentation, and patience.​
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why Section 232 steel and aluminum component valuation has become so contentious, and what CBP is asking for in current 28s/29s.​
How the reasonable care bar is effectively rising as CBP leverages AI and multi‑layer supply‑chain mapping tools.​
Why brokers should stick closely to written guidance and leave complex valuation/legal positions to counsel and CBP centers.​
What a proposed importer registration/licensing regime could mean for CBP and importers if it moves forward.​
How the trade community over‑hyped an IEPA Supreme Court decision that did not drop—and why speculation can make the industry “the problem.”​
Key Takeaways
Start now: gather steel and aluminum component valuation documents and organize them so you can respond quickly to CBP inquiries.​
Expect CBP to assume you know (and can prove) more about your supply chain than you realistically do today; plan technology and data improvements accordingly.​
Be wary of social‑media “deadline certainty” around the IEPA case; no one outside the Court knows the exact timing.​
Don’t be the “Anti‑Hero” of your own program—avoid spreading rumors, focus on facts, and stay ready for multiple legal and policy scenarios.​
Subscribe & Follow
New Roundup episodes every week.Presented by: Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.​👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
Connect with us:Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedInGlobal Training Center on LinkedInYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsTrade Geeks Community
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!
Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?📩 Reach us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.comor DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod

New Year, New Tariffs, New Enforcement: What 2026 Has in Store with Braumiller and Tuttle

Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo SolorzanoGuest(s):
Adrienne Braumiller, Founder, Braumiller Law Group
George Tuttle III, Founder, Tuttle Law Offices
Published: January 2026Length: ~41 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
🧭 Episode Summary
Andy and Lalo kick off the new year with two of the most respected voices in international trade law — Adrienne Braumiller and George Tuttle — for a candid, fast-moving discussion on what importers should expect in 2026.
From skyrocketing tariffs and aggressive enforcement to constitutional questions surrounding presidential authority, this episode unpacks how the trade landscape has fundamentally shifted. Adrienne and George explain why many companies are feeling overwhelmed, how Customs enforcement has intensified, and where importers are most exposed — especially around country of origin, valuation, non-resident importers, and Section 232 derivative products.
The conversation also dives deep into IEEPA tariffs, potential Supreme Court rulings, refund uncertainty, and why enforcement actions like CF-29s, investigations without prior notice, and False Claims Act cases are becoming far more common.
If you import goods into the U.S. — especially steel, aluminum, copper, or products subject to anti-dumping or Section 301 — this episode is essential listening.
🗝️ Key Takeaways
Average U.S. duty rates have jumped from under 2% to as high as 15–17%
Enforcement is accelerating — often without CF-28 warnings
Country of origin and transshipment risks are at the top of CBP’s priority list
Valuation scrutiny is increasing, including challenges to DDP deductions
Non-resident importer structures are under growing pressure
False Claims Act cases tied to customs violations are exploding
Whistleblowers can receive significant financial rewards
Section 232 derivative product valuation remains dangerously unclear
Importers must actively document reasonable care — not rely on suppliers
⚠️ Compliance & Enforcement Trends Discussed
CF-29 notices issued without prior CF-28 requests
Immediate investigations launched with no warning
Increased seizures and penalties tied to origin misrepresentation
Surge in enforcement actions under anti-dumping and countervailing duty laws
Growing risks tied to supplier trust without verification
Heightened scrutiny of steel, aluminum, and copper derivative products
⚖️ Legal & Policy Topics Covered
Presidential authority under IEEPA
Supreme Court challenges to tariff authority
Refund uncertainty if tariffs are ruled unconstitutional
Protests vs. post-liquidation remedies
Section 232 valuation disputes
Customs’ evolving enforcement posture
👥 About the Guests
Adrienne Braumiller is the founder of Braumiller Law Group and a nationally recognized authority on customs law, trade remedies, and tariff mitigation strategies. She is known for helping companies navigate high-stakes enforcement actions and complex regulatory challenges.Connect with Adrienne on LinkedIn.
George Tuttle III is the founder of Tuttle Law Offices and a leading expert in customs compliance, valuation, country of origin, and enforcement defense. George regularly advises importers on navigating audits, penalties, and evolving CBP interpretations.Connect with George on LinkedIn.
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[TIPS] Difficult Conversations in Action – A Role-Play Using GGCC

Podcast: Simply Trade Tips (Hammer & Heels)Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie ParksPublished: January 6, 2026Episode Length: ~10 minutesSeries: Difficult Conversations (Episode 3 – Role Play)
Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks bring their Difficult Conversations series to life with a practical role-play scenario. Wearing their “Pitcher & Catcher” jerseys, they walk listeners through a real-world example of how to ask for a raise using their GGCC framework—a simple, repeatable approach designed to make tough conversations more productive, respectful, and collaborative.
This episode moves beyond theory and shows how preparation, tone, and structure can completely change the outcome of a high-stakes discussion.
Key Learnings
Why difficult conversations improve when both sides understand their role as Pitcher (initiator) and Catcher (receiver)
How the GGCC framework works in real life:
G – Greeting: Set a respectful, appreciative tone
G – Groundwork: Explain the purpose and context
C – Concern: Clearly and directly state the issue
C – Closing: Align on next steps with a statement and a question
How to ask for a raise by focusing on role elevation and business value, not emotion
Why role-playing difficult conversations reduces tension and improves clarity
Practical Takeaways
Write out difficult conversations before having them
Practice with a trusted colleague by switching Pitcher and Catcher roles
Focus on collaboration, not confrontation
Understand your company’s timing and cycles before initiating compensation discussions
Use structure to keep conversations professional and productive
FIO (Figure It Out) – This Week’s Challenge
Identify a difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding.Then:
Write it out using the GGCC framework
Role-play it with someone you trust
Refine the language to ensure clarity, respect, and partnership
Bonus: Bring the scenario into the Trade Geeks Community and share what worked—or where you got stuck.
Resources & Community
Trade Geeks Community: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/
Simply Trade Podcast:
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
Credits
Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli
Julie Parks
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
🎙️ Simply Trade is a podcast by Global Training Center, bringing practical insights to trade and customs professionals worldwide.
Subscribe & Follow
🎙️ New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.
Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.
Connect with us:
Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn
Global Training Center on LinkedIn
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Trade Geeks Community
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!
📩 Want to be on the show or suggest a topic?Email us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or DM us on X/Twitter @SimplyTradePod

[ROUNDUP] TPM 2026: Inside the Premier Global Container Shipping Summit with Peter Tirschwell

 
Host: Annik SobingGuest: Peter Tirschwell, Senior Director, S&P Global / TPM Conference FounderLength: ~25 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
In this Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing sits down with global shipping and trade journalism leader Peter Tirschwell, the driving force behind the TPM Conference, to explore how a niche maritime newspaper event evolved into one of the premier gatherings in global container shipping. Peter shares the origin story of TPM: how the Journal of Commerce reinvented itself around 2000 by turning its deep reporting network into a live, editorially independent forum timed to the annual trans‑Pacific contract season.​
They discuss how TPM, held each March in Long Beach in the heart of the LA–Long Beach port complex, became a place where BCOs, carriers, NVOs, ports, and tech providers can gauge supply–demand balance, negotiate with better intelligence, and refresh critical relationships. Peter explains how the attendee mix has shifted over 25+ years, with hundreds of major shippers now present and representation from about 50 countries, turning TPM from a trans‑Pacific event into a broadly global container‑trade platform.​
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How the Journal of Commerce pivoted from a collapsing print model to launch TPM as a data‑driven, neutral conference for BCOs and carriers.​
Why TPM is held in early March in Long Beach and how that timing aligns with trans‑Pacific contract cycles and port/rail/warehouse visits.​
How TPM’s strictly editorial program (no “pay‑to‑speak”) builds trust, attracts senior executives, and shapes real contract and routing decisions.​
How the attendee base has grown to include ~575 shipper companies and participants from around 50 countries, spanning Asia–Europe, North–South, and more.​
How 2025’s tariff shock—from ~2% to ~17–18% average duties—has pushed shippers to use TPM for cost‑reduction ideas, legal tariff strategies, and sourcing shifts.​
How TPM Tech and AI discussions are tackling repetitive-process automation, carrier cost reduction, and competitive risk if rivals adopt AI faster.​
Practical ways to “do TPM right”: coming in with a plan, choosing sessions strategically, and using the event to build and refresh critical relationships.​
Key Takeaways
TPM now functions as a market pulse + relationship engine: attendees leave with clearer views on capacity, pricing, risk, and who they can rely on when markets tighten.​
Shippers are under intense pressure from tariffs and volatility; events like TPM help them hunt for every legal saving—from transport choices to customs strategies.​
AI is moving “fast and hard” into container shipping; companies that ignore it risk being undercut on cost and losing business to more efficient competitors.​
To get real value from TPM, attendees should arrive with specific problems to solve, a prioritized session list, and pre‑planned meetings across their network.​
Credits
Host/Producer: Annik SobingGuest: Peter Tirschwell – S&P Global / TPM
TPM CONFERENCE DETAILS
Subscribe & Follow
New Roundup episodes every week.Presented by: Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.​👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
Connect with us:Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedInGlobal Training Center on LinkedInYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsTrade Geeks Community
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!
Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?📩 Reach us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.comor DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod
 
 

[Cindy's Version] Right Where You Left Me

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: January 2, 2026Length: ~15 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Summary
The first Cindy’s Version episode of 2026 kicks off with reflection, perspective, and a clear-eyed look at how fundamentally global trade has changed. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Right Where You Left Me, Cindy Allen explains why many trade professionals feel stuck between old rules and a completely new enforcement reality.
While the holidays brought a brief pause in activity, the underlying shifts from 2025 are still very much in motion. From tariff threats that didn’t materialize, to delayed Section 232 actions, to long-awaited automation updates from CBP, Cindy walks through what changed—and what didn’t—over the past two weeks. More importantly, she explains why 2025 will be remembered as a pivotal year in trade history, on par with other transformational moments like containerization, air cargo, and automated clearance.
This Week in Trade
• Proposed 92% antidumping duties on Italian pasta were ultimately set far lower, avoiding combined duty rates exceeding 100%• Section 232 cases on upholstered furniture and kitchen cabinets were delayed for one year• Importers planning remodels may benefit from acting within the next year• The trade community continues to wait on Supreme Court decisions related to IEEPA reciprocal and fentanyl cases• Attention now shifts to when the Court returns to session
CBP & Regulatory Updates
• CBP announced all duty refunds will be issued electronically beginning in February• Electronic refunds become mandatory in March• CBP clarified procedures for refunds owed to brokers or third parties using Form 4811• Industry hopes this signals a move toward fully electronic payments, including:• Protests• Post-Summary Corrections• Other remittance processes
COAC Updates
• COAC will meet virtually on January 14• Previous subcommittees and workgroups were dissolved last year• Industry is watching closely for:• A new COAC structure• New workgroups or subcommittees• Applications for new COAC members closed in December• Several current members are rolling off after reaching term limits• Appointments are expected later in the year, not at the January meeting
Why “Right Where You Left Me” Fits This Moment
Cindy explains that while trade professionals earned every bit of their experience in 2025, the rules of engagement have changed. Enforcement is heavier, actions are more industry-specific, and governments are using every tool available—sometimes in new and unexpected ways. Formal announcements are often replaced by rumors, social media posts, or informal signals, forcing the industry to operate in a constant state of readiness.
At the same time, the government expects the trade community to adapt just as aggressively—leveraging automation, data, and new technologies to meet rising compliance expectations. What was once a rigid, compartmentalized system has become layered and complex, operating simultaneously at the country, industry, company, and even product level. The challenge now is not getting stuck in the way trade “used to be,” but learning how to move forward in a system that no longer looks the same.
Key Takeaways
• 2025 marked a fundamental shift in how trade policy is applied and enforced• Tariffs and trade remedies are increasingly industry-, company-, and product-specific• Automation and data will play a critical role in future compliance• Informal signals now often precede formal policy announcements• Trade professionals must evolve—or risk being left behind
RESOURCES & MENTIONS
• Global Training Center• TradeForce Multiplier
Credits
Host:• Cindy Allen – LinkedIn• Trade Force Multiplier
Producer:• Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
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Trade by the Numbers: What the Data Really Says About Trade

Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo SolorzanoGuest: Ken Roberts, Founder of WorldCityPublished: January 2026Length: ~44 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
📊 Episode Summary
As we kick off 2026, Andy and Lalo sit down with Ken Roberts, one of the most respected voices in global trade data and the founder of WorldCity, to cut through the noise and look at what the numbers actually say about U.S. trade.
This episode is a masterclass in data-driven trade storytelling. Ken walks listeners through the biggest shifts in global trade flows, explaining how U.S. trade relationships with Mexico, China, Canada, and Vietnam have evolved — and what those changes really mean for businesses making sourcing, routing, and investment decisions today.
The conversation covers everything from why Mexico is now the United States’ top trade partner, to how AI-driven server demand is reshaping imports, why gold exports are surging, and how de minimis and e-commerce shipments are quietly transforming trade volumes. Along the way, Andy and Lalo translate the data into real-world implications for compliance teams, logistics planners, and executive leadership.
If you work in trade, supply chain, or logistics — or if you need to explain trade impacts to senior leadership in plain English — this is an episode you’ll want to share.
🗝️ Key Takeaways
Mexico has become the U.S.’s #1 trade partner — for imports, exports, and total trade.
China’s share of U.S. trade has dropped below 10% for the first time in decades.
AI infrastructure demand is driving massive growth in computer and server imports, especially through air cargo.
Gold exports are surging, driven more by price and economic uncertainty than volume.
De minimis and e-commerce shipments are reshaping both imports and exports.
Trade deficits don’t tell the whole story — they often reflect economic strength and consumer demand.
Rules of origin and enforcement will be a major theme in 2026, especially under USMCA review.
Trade policy moves slowly — even dramatic announcements take years to show up in the data.
📦 Topics Covered in This Episode
U.S. trade trends heading into 2026
Why Mexico overtook China and Canada
Port and airport shifts (Chicago, JFK, Laredo, LA)
AI, servers, and Taiwan’s rise in trade rankings
Gold, energy exports, and economic uncertainty
De minimis, e-commerce, and low-value shipments
China trade diversion vs. true decoupling
What trade data means for routing, sourcing, and strategy
📚 Resources & Mentions
Ken Roberts (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenrobertsworldcitytradenumber/
WorldCity / U.S. Trade Numbers: https://ustradenumbers.com/
Ken Roberts on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenroberts/
U.S. Customs & Border Protection Trade Data: https://www.cbp.gov/trade
U.S. Census Bureau – Trade Statistics: https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade
 
This episode sponsored by Pax
 
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