Simply Trade

[Cindy’s Version] All Aboard the Crazy Train of Trade

Host: Lalo Solorzano (filling in for Cindy Allen)Published: October 31, 2025Length: ~15 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Crazy Train (Lalo’s Version): Trade Updates, Ozzy Osbourne Style
This week’s Cindy’s Version comes with a twist — Cindy is on vacation in Cancun, so Lalo Solorzano takes over the mic and drives this week’s episode down a different track: Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne.
In true Gen X fashion, Lalo blends heavy metal attitude with the week’s biggest trade updates, covering everything from Senate tariff votes and CBP’s new Section 232 duties to fresh U.S.–China developments and new trade frameworks across Southeast Asia.
From tariff fatigue and AI adoption to collaboration and mentorship, this Halloween-themed episode keeps the humor high and the insights real — proving that even in global trade, we’re all riding the same crazy train.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Senate blocks two key trade measures:• Additional tariffs on Brazil• Reciprocal global tariff proposal
Why lawmakers warned that reciprocal tariffs risked igniting a global trade war
CBP guidance on new Section 232 duties for:• Trucks, buses, and parts (effective November 1)• Chapter 99 HTS classifications for importers
Trump–Xi meeting updates: possible 10% tariff rollback on Chinese goods and renewed soybean imports
New reciprocal trade frameworks with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia
Highlights from the ICPA Fall Conference panel “Duty Calls” — hosted by Global Training Center and Simply Trade
Key Takeaways from the ICPA Panel – Duty Calls:
Tariff Fatigue & Strategy: Don’t just react to constant changes — build adaptable systems.
Automation & AI: Smart use of AI for classification and drawback can improve compliance efficiency.
Collaboration: Compliance can’t live in a silo — involve procurement, finance, logistics, and engineering.
Mentorship & Talent: You can’t complain about the lack of talent if you’re not helping grow it.
Mindset: Trade doesn’t run on policy alone — it’s driven by people with passion and purpose.
Quick Recap:
Congress blocks new tariffs.
CBP rolls out new ones.
U.S. and China hint at a handshake deal.
Southeast Asia signs new reciprocal agreements.
And trade experts remind us: stay calm, stay informed, and keep your systems ready.
Or as Ozzy says — “It’s crazy, but that’s how it goes.”
Resources & Mentions:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Federal Register – Section 232 Notices
ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association
U.S. Department of Commerce – Trade Updates
Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Producer:
Global Training Center
Special thanks to:
Cindy Allen – LinkedIn
Trade Force Multiplier
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Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.
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[CRIMES] Export Horror Stories – When Compliance Gets Scary

Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy ShalesGuest: Josh Rodman, Attorney at Schulz Trade LawPublished: October 29, 2025Presented by: Global Training CenterLength: 28 minutes
Episode Summary
In this Halloween Week special, the Simply Trade hosts dig into real-life trade horror stories that will make any exporter’s blood run cold.
Attorney Josh Rodman from Schulz Trade Law joins Lalo and Andy to share two spine-chilling case studies where export compliance went sideways — despite good intentions. From ballistic helmets misclassified under the wrong ECCN to shipments to Russia caught in the tangled web of ever-changing export controls, this episode proves that in trade, even honest mistakes can summon costly consequences.
Josh explains how voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs) can save a company from financial nightmares and why staying current with export regulations is critical to avoid getting haunted by unexpected investigations or penalties.
This episode blends legal insight with cautionary tales — perfect for your Halloween listening lineup!
Key Topics
Real-world export control “horror stories”
Misclassification of military equipment under ECCNs
Voluntary Self-Disclosures (VSDs) and how they mitigate penalties
OFAC subpoenas and overlapping U.S. government investigations
Russian sanctions, HTS code–based restrictions, and transshipment red flags
How exporters can protect themselves through due diligence and expert review
Resources & Mentions
Schulz Trade Law
Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
OFAC – U.S. Treasury Sanctions Programs
U.S. Department of Commerce – BIS
Global Training Center
🎧 Credits
Hosts:
Lalo Solorzano
Andy Shiles
Guests:
Josh Rodman - Schulz Trade Law
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
 
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[TIPS] — Scary Compliance Stories: A Halloween Special!

Hosts:Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie ParksPublished: October 28, 2025Length: ~10 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
👻 Episode Summary
It’s a special Halloween edition of Simply Trade [Tips] with Hammer and Heels (Renee & Julie)! 🎙️
In this spooky seasonal episode, the hosts share “scary compliance stories” that every trade professional can learn from — tales of audits that wouldn’t die, supply chain skeletons, and hauntingly complex importer-of-record issues.
Between these frighteningly true stories and a fun “Trick-or-Treat: Fact or Fiction” lightning round, listeners will pick up valuable lessons about risk, recordkeeping, and compliance best practices — all while getting into the Halloween spirit.
🧠 Key Takeaways
Importer of Record Issues: Never assume your company should make entry — confirm the proper party has the right to do so.
Audit Nightmares: A prior disclosure can protect you from penalties, but only if it’s complete and accurate. Double-check everything before submitting.
Trick or Treat: Compliance Edition!
Can CBP review your General Ledger? ✅ Treat!
Do you need to reconcile quantity variances with Customs entries? ✅ Treat!
Is your broker solely responsible for recordkeeping? ❌ Trick! Importers must maintain their records for at least five years.
Is a parts database a strong compliance tool? ✅ Treat! It helps ensure data accuracy and consistency.
🧭 FIO (Figure It Out)
👉 This week’s action item:Trade can be terrifying — but preparation keeps the ghosts away! Take time to review your compliance “skeletons in the closet.”
Are your prior disclosures accurate and auditable?
Is your importer of record process clear?
Do your records meet the five-year rule?
And since it’s Halloween… figure out your costume, too! 🎭
💬 Keep the Conversation Going
Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and share:
Your own “scary compliance story.”
How you’ve handled tricky audits or importer-of-record nightmares.
And, of course, what you’re dressing up as for Halloween!
🎧 Credits
Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli
Julie Parks
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
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🎙️ New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.
Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.
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[ROUNDUP] The Real Monsters in Air Cargo with Donna Mullins

Host: Annik SobingGuest: Donna Mullins, Vice President at Kale Info SolutionsPublished: October 27 (Halloweek Series)Length: ~20 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
In this Halloween special on Simply Trade, host Annik sits down with air cargo leader Donna Mullins. With 34+ years navigating international logistics, Donna shares “horror stories” from neglected air cargo facilities, underfunded infrastructure, and the everyday challenges that haunt supply chains. They talk about why air cargo—though only 5% of total shipment volume—carries 35% of value and why modernizing this sector is urgent for the entire trade community.
Discover where the U.S. lags behind, how Donna’s advocacy is driving real industry change, and why collaboration among business, government, and tech is essential to exorcise inefficiency from the system.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Air cargo’s overlooked funding and modernization crisis
Real-world impacts of outdated technology and infrastructure
How global competitors handle cargo better—and what to do about it
The role of industry committees in spurring U.S. policy improvements
Lessons from the pandemic and future directions for air shipments
Key Takeaways
Air cargo is essential, but too often trapped in “logistics horror.”
Solutions require advocacy, cross-sector collaboration, and investment in tech and people.
Don’t let supply chain monsters sneak up—be proactive with your partners and logistics choices!
Resources: 
NCBFAA / AfA Whitepaper: SAFEGUARDING THE FUTURE OF AIR CARGO
GAO Report to Congressional Committees – Air Cargo – DOT Should Communicate Data Limitations and Identify Stakeholder Challenges - https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-25-107334.pdf
 
Credits
Host: Annik SobingGuest: Donna Mullins
Producer: Lalo Solorzano
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Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.
👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
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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] I did Something Bad: When Customs Comes Calling

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: October 24, 2025Length: ~13 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
I Did Something Bad: When Customs Comes Calling
This week, Cindy Allen — the Taylor Swift of Trade — draws inspiration from I Did Something Bad to explore one of the biggest trade compliance challenges happening right now: CBP’s surge in broad and complex Requests for Information (CF-28s and CF-29s).
Cindy breaks down what these new inquiries mean for importers, especially those dealing with Section 232 duties, component-level valuation, and IEEPA-related exemptions. She also discusses the latest updates on the U.S.–China trade relationship, new tariffs on vehicles and buses, the continuing government shutdown, and the upcoming IEEPA Supreme Court hearing.
If you’ve received a CF-28 that looks more like a full audit than a question, this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Status of the government shutdown and potential trade impacts
New Section 232 duties:• 25% on medium and heavy-duty vehicles and parts• 10% on buses (effective November 1)
Details on the new manufacturer duty offset for U.S.-assembled vehicles containing 15% or more U.S. content
Ongoing U.S.–China trade tensions and potential 100% tariffs on Chinese-origin goods
Updates on U.S.–India negotiations and high pharmaceutical tariffs
Expanded coverage of component-level aluminum and steel duties under Section 232
IEEPA Supreme Court hearing scheduled for November 5, and why it matters
Why importers are seeing an increase in CF-28 and CF-29 requests — and how to prepare
Key Takeaways:
The government shutdown has yet to cause major disruption, but risk increases with each passing week.
Section 232 duties are expanding to new products and components, creating valuation and traceability challenges.
Importers should be ready for CBP to ask for detailed component-level valuation and manufacturing data.
“Reasonable care” remains the guiding principle when exact valuation data is unavailable — document everything.
Proactive recordkeeping and supplier collaboration are critical to avoiding costly compliance issues.
Resources & Mentions:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Federal Register – Tariff & Trade Notices
U.S. Supreme Court Docket – IEEPA Case
U.S. Department of Commerce – Section 232 Program
Credits
Hosts:
Cindy Allen – LinkedIn
Trade Force Multiplier
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Subscribe & Follow
New episodes every Friday.
Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.
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Global Training Center on LinkedIn
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Strengthening Trade Across Borders: Building the North American Customs Brokers Alliance (NACBA)

Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy ShilesGuests:
Federico “Kiko” Zúñiga
JD Gonzalez
Kim Campbell
Carlos Martinez
Published: October 2025Length: ~42 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
🌎 Connecting Borders Through Collaboration
In this special episode of Simply Trade, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles sit down with four key leaders representing the North American Customs Brokers Alliance (NACBA) — an unprecedented trilateral effort uniting customs professionals across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
Their guests — Federico “Kiko” Zúñiga, JD Gonzalez, Kim Campbell, and Carlos Martinez — share how NACBA came together to strengthen cross-border collaboration and ensure a unified voice for the customs brokerage community.
The discussion explores how the alliance helps tackle complex trade issues, supports modernization, and promotes professional dialogue beyond politics. With each representative bringing national perspective and decades of industry experience, this episode highlights how partnership and trust drive trade efficiency and policy progress across North America.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The origin story and purpose behind NACBA
How customs brokers from three countries collaborate under one alliance
NACBA’s role in shaping trade discussions during the USMCA review
The importance of harmonization, transparency, and regulatory dialogue
How cross-border cooperation leads to smarter, more efficient trade
Key Takeaways:
NACBA represents a unified customs broker voice for North America.
Collaboration among NCBFAA, CIFFA, and CSCB strengthens the profession.
Policy influence is stronger when industry speaks with one regional perspective.
The upcoming 2025 NACBA Meeting in Toronto will continue the conversation on modernization, digitalization, and trade alignment.
Building trust between governments and brokers is essential to simplifying trade.
Resources & Mentions:
NCBFAA – National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America
CIFFA – Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association
Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB)
Global Training Center
North American Customs Brokers Alliance (NACBA)
🎧 Credits
Hosts:
Lalo Solorzano
Andy Shiles
Guests:
Federico “Kiko” Zúñiga – United States / NACBA Founder
JD Gonzalez – United States / NCBFAA
Kim Campbell – Canada / CIFFA, CSCB
Carlos Martinez – Mexico
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
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Presented by Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
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[CANADA] Latest Trade Insights with David Paterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington, D.C.

Host: Warrington EllacottGuest: David Paterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington, D.C.Published: October 2025Length: ~20minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
This week on Simply Trade, Warrington Ellacott from the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters returns for another Canadian Pod edition. His guest is David Paterson, Ontario’s representative in Washington, D.C., who offers a front-row view of U.S.-Canada trade policy amid new tariffs, shifting supply chains, and political change.
Together, they break down the current state of Canada–U.S. trade under the Trump administration, the critical role Ontario plays as America's top customer, and how supply chains can adapt to the evolving tariff and compliance landscape.
From auto manufacturing and critical minerals to AI innovation, Ontario is positioning itself not only as a trade powerhouse but also as a strategic bridge between North American and global markets.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The economic relationship between Ontario and the United States
Ontario’s role as the largest trading partner for 17 U.S. states
How the new IEEPA and sectoral tariffs are changing trade cost structures
Ways Ontario works with the U.S. Commerce Department to secure exemptions
Understanding the integration and fragility of cross-border supply chains
How recent U.S. tariffs on derivatives and auto parts impact logistics and compliance
Why Ontario attracts more than $40 billion annually in new investment
The province’s approach to diversifying trade, energy, and critical minerals
Ontario’s emerging edge in artificial intelligence, nuclear power, and R&D
Programs supporting investors through Invest Ontario and trade financing arms
Key Discussion Highlights
Integrated Supply Chains: Both countries depend on real-time cross-border flows, particularly for manufacturing and automotive sectors.
Tariff Challenges: New 232 and derivative tariffs complicate valuation and classification for exporters and brokers.
Policy Outlook: Renegotiation of the USMCA and upcoming court decisions could reshape tariff enforcement.
Ontario’s Edge: A strong industrial base, advanced education sector, and access to critical minerals position Ontario for global leadership.
Economic Strategy: Ontario’s pro-business approach—lower taxes, less red tape, and strategic investment funding—supports resilience amid global uncertainty.
Tips for Businesses and Traders
Stay informed on sectoral tariff exemptions under USMCA
Collaborate with provincial trade ministries and associations for updated compliance support.
Explore export opportunities in renewable energy, EV supply chains, and advanced manufacturing.
Use Ontario’s support programs to mitigate liquidity and trade disruption risks.
Key Takeaways
Ontario accounts for roughly 40% of Canada’s population and GDP, serving as the country’s economic and industrial core.
It remains the largest export destination for the U.S. — twice the trade volume of China and four times that of Japan or Germany.
Despite tariff headwinds, sustained cooperation and policy alignment are vital for maintaining competitiveness.
Ontario’s trade agencies are positioning for growth in AI, quantum technology, and life sciences.
Strong cross-border collaboration ensures mutual prosperity — even amid political and commercial recalibration.
Participant Credits
Host: Warrington Ellacott – Canadian Association of Importers and ExportersGuest: David Paterson – Ontario’s Representative in Washington, D.C.Producer: Lalo Solorzano
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New Canadian edition episodes periodically. Presented by Global Training Center — empowering trade professionals through expert training and compliance resources.👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
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Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?📩 SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.comor DM us on X @SimplyTradePod 

[TIPS] Managing a Project: Brainstorming & Doing the Homework

Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie ParksPublished: October 21, 2025Length: ~6 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
💡 Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade [Tips], Hammer and Heels (Renee & Julie) kick off their new Project Management series. They break down how to confidently launch and manage a project—whether it’s a massive ERP implementation or something more focused like writing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Their secret to getting started? Two simple but essential steps:
Brainstorming — Define your project, identify your stakeholders, and get their buy-in early.
Doing the Homework — Research your options, analyze internal vs. external solutions, and always widen your perspective when talking to vendors or IT teams.
Whether you’re a trade manager or new to project ownership, this episode gives you a framework to get your next initiative off the ground efficiently and with purpose.
🧠 Key Takeaways
Identify & Scope Clearly: Define what problem your project solves and who benefits from it.
Get Stakeholder Support: Involve cross-functional teams early to ensure buy-in and alignment.
Do Your Homework: Explore both internal and external solutions before committing to one.
Ask the Right Questions: When meeting with vendors or IT, leave time to learn about other potential solutions they offer.
Think Long-Term: Every small project builds skills for handling larger, enterprise-level challenges.
🧭 FIO (Figure It Out)
👉 Action Item: Find (or assign) a project!If you’re a team member, ask your boss what challenges need attention and create a small project to address one.If you’re a leader, assign a project that helps someone on your team build project management skills.Then share your progress in the Trade Geeks community!
💬 Keep the Conversation Going
Join the conversation on Trade Geeks and tell us:
What project did you pick or assign?
What step of the brainstorming or homework process helped you the most?
Any surprises you found while scoping your project?
👉 Trade Geeks Community
🎧 Credits
Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli
Julie Parks
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
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
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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] Turning ACE Data Into Compliance Gold

Host: Annik SobingGuest: Michelle Frennier
Published: October 20,  2025Length: ~30 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center
ACE Up Your Trade Game: Turning Data into Compliance Intelligence
This week on Simply Trade, host Annik Sobing sits down with trade data expert Michelle Frennier to explore one of the most powerful—and underused—resources in compliance: ACE, the Automated Commercial Environment.
Together, they dive into how companies can use ACE not just for entry filings and reporting but as a living system of business intelligence. From identifying tariff misclassifications and broker inconsistencies to predicting compliance risks before CBP does, Michelle breaks down how to transform ACE data into proactive strategy.
Whether you’re new to ACE or already using it daily, this episode will show you how to make the system work for you—revealing errors, trends, and opportunities buried inside your own trade data.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How ACE works—and why every importer and exporter should have an account
What ACE reveals about your company’s compliance “story”
How to set up accounts, assign users, and customize reports
Common mistakes companies make when they ignore ACE data
Auditing through exceptions instead of endless sampling
How ACE helps identify anomalies automatically
Using Excel pivot tables and filters to visualize compliance trends
The difference between manual audits and automated exception-based reviews
Real-world risk reduction and “aha” moments from ACE users
Spotting manufacturer ID errors, missed CF-28 notices, or outdated tariff entries
How to tie ACE reports to actual duty savings and corrective action
Ways brokers and importers can collaborate on data quality using weekly reports
Export insight through ACE and why it matters now
Tracking where your exports are filed and why ACE visibility helps reduce enforcement risks
How to find unauthorized or incorrect export filings under your company name
Why ACE data is critical amid the new 50% rule and SDN ownership restrictions
ACE for leadership and ROI
How to turn ACE reports into C-suite scorecards
Building credibility and securing a compliance “seat at the table”
Making your data-driven story part of enterprise risk strategy
Tips for Getting Started:
Apply for your free ACE importer or exporter account directly through CBP.
Assign trusted company users and maintain strong access controls.
Run and save template reports for regular review—don’t treat ACE as an archive.
Communicate findings early; catching errors before CBP does is always cheaper.
Key Takeaways:
ACE is more than a filing platform—it’s the single source of truth for your trade data history.
Learning to read and work with your ACE data helps you correct errors before CBP finds them.
With exception-based auditing, automation strengthens compliance oversight while keeping humans in control.
ACE offers visibility, transparency, and credibility—three essentials for compliance leaders seeking strategic impact.
Resources & Mentions:
Michelle Frennier
E-Mail: michelle@evolve-trade.com
— CBP Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Overview:
https://www.federalregister.gov/automated-commercial-environment-ace-https://www.descartes.com/resources/knowledge-center/us-automated-commercial-environment-ace-resource-center
— ACE Reports and Account Access:https://www.aiag.org/expertise-areas/supply-chain-management/north-american-customs---trade/ace-and-automated-systems-reporting-for-export-and-importhttps://www.shapiro.com/resources/what-you-need-to-know-about-automated-commercial-environment-ace/
— ACE for Export Filings and Electronic Manifests:https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/13/2024-31331/automated-commercial-environment-ace-electronic-export-manifest-for-rail-cargo
— ACE Tutorials and FAQs:https://www.magaya.com/automated-commercial-environment/
 
 
 
 
Credits
Host: Annik SobingGuest: Michelle Frennier
Producer: Lalo Solorzano
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New Roundup episodes every week.
Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.
👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
Connect with us:
Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn
Global Training Center on LinkedIn
YouTube
Spotify
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Trade 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] Wi$h Li$t: Making Trade Boring Again

Host: Cindy Allen
Published: October 17, 2025
Length: ~11 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center
This week, Cindy Allen — the Taylor Swift of Trade — opens with the song "Wish List" from Taylor’s latest album to frame a candid look at the current landscape for international trade professionals.
Cindy launches with a snapshot of the ongoing U.S. government shutdown and its impacts on trade facilitation, CBP operations, and agency holds, noting which agencies are coping and where the pain points are starting to show. She also discusses the latest on vessel and container fees targeting China-linked shipping, and the rollout of new environmental "green fee" proposals gaining traction with international regulators.
Cindy moves on to cover major industry developments, from continued Section 232 duty adjustments on pharmaceuticals and heightened scrutiny on origin-specific duties, to the broader market response as recent tensions with China appear to cool—at least for now.
Wrapping up, Cindy connects this week’s trade turbulence to the themes in “Wish List”—emphasizing the profession’s desire for a return to routine and the growing “Make Trade Boring Again” movement among customs brokers.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
U.S. government shutdown: Trade impact and operational status by agency
Week three status update on CBP, FDA, CPSC, USDA, and smaller agencies
How agency holds and exams are affecting shipments
New vessel/container fees and carrier rerouting after China-related restrictions
October 14 implementation and compliance guidance for carriers
Cost impact—and what’s (not yet) being passed on to importers
Section 232 pharma update and reciprocal duty challenges
Delayed new tariffs for pharmaceuticals and incentives to manufacture in the U.S.
Complications for brokers: layering, exemptions, and compliance tools
China trade relations and tariff risk
Why the threatened 100% duty on Chinese goods for November 1 is unlikely
Market reaction to de-escalation signals
New “green fee” proposals and the U.S. response
IMO, WTO, and WCO push for environmental surcharges
President Trump’s stance and potential U.S. actions
Customs brokerage in the spotlight
How recent media coverage has changed the industry
The call to “Make Trade Boring Again”—and why that’s on Cindy’s wish list
Key Takeaways:
The shutdown has yet to cause a major breakdown in trade flows, but agency-specific disruptions are mounting.
Vessel/container fees are being absorbed through creative routing—importers haven’t seen extra charges, but the future is uncertain.
Section 232 duties remain a compliance headache, especially with new exemption and layering rules.
Signs of a U.S.–China trade thaw this week bring relief and market stability, halting expectations of major new tariffs.
Trade professionals everywhere are wishing for normalcy: less drama, fewer surprises, and a return to boring, reliable compliance work.
Resources & Mentions:
— CBP, FDA, CPSC, USDA shutdown operational notices
— Section 232 duty update bulletins
— Taylor Swift: Wish List, The Life of a Show Girl (referenced)
— Make Trade Boring Again campaign (NCBFAA)
Credits
Hosts:
Cindy Allen – LinkedIn
Trade Force Multiplier
Producers:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Annik Sobing - LinkedIn
Subscribe & Follow
New episodes every Friday.
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!