Simply Trade

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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New 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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Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

[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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Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade professionals!
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
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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
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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
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Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

Finding Millions in Your Pocket: The Strategic Power of Duty Drawback

Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy ShilesGuest: Simran Dalvi – Duty Drawback Specialist, CITTA Customs BrokersPublished: October 2025Presented by: Global Training Center
💡 Unlocking Hidden Cash in Trade Compliance
In this episode, Andy and Lalo are joined by Simran Dalvi of CITTA Customs Brokers to demystify one of the most underutilized trade programs in the U.S. — Duty Drawback.
As companies struggle to manage tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and unpredictable trade policy shifts, Simran explains how duty drawback can become a strategic financial tool rather than an afterthought.
They discuss how importers can recover millions in duties by improving documentation, applying for drawback privileges, and aligning teams across compliance, logistics, and finance.
🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
💰 What duty drawback is — and how it can uncover hidden revenue opportunities⚙️ How “drawback privileges” accelerate payments and improve cash flow📄 Why documentation and audit readiness are critical for claim success📊 How automation and AI tools are streamlining the drawback process🏢 What executives and CFOs should ask their teams to find out if they qualify
🔑 Key Takeaways
Duty drawback is a privilege, not a right — accuracy and documentation are everything.
Companies can recover up to five years’ worth of duties on eligible imports.
Drawback privileges allow for faster refunds and simplified claim processing.
CBP’s backlog and staff shortages mean proactive preparation is key.
Many importers qualify for drawback without even realizing it — and could be sitting on “millions in their pocket.”
📌 Resources & Mentions
CITTA Customs Brokers – Duty Drawback Specialists
CITTA Blog: Understanding Drawback Privileges
CBP – Duty Drawback Overview
ACE Portal – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
AAEI – American Association of Exporters and Importers
Global Training Center
🎧 Credits
Hosts:
Lalo Solorzano
Andy Shiles
Guest:
Simran Dalvi – Duty Drawback Specialist, CITTA Customs Brokers
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
📢 Subscribe & Follow
Presented by Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
Connect with us:
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Would you like me to also draft the LinkedIn promo post for this episode? I can make it center around the quote “It’s like finding a $20 bill in your pocket — except it’s millions” from Simran.

[TIPS] Continuing Education: Investing in Yourself and Your Trade Team

Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie ParksPublished: [Insert publish date here]Length: ~8 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
In this final episode of the Career mini-series, Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) talk about one of the most critical — and often overlooked — aspects of career growth: continuing education.
They share how lifelong learning not only builds credibility and compliance strength but also demonstrates leadership, engagement, and care for your team and company.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why Targeted Training Matters – Traditional education can only go so far. Trade professionals grow fastest through focused, real-world learning like Global Training Center’s import/export certifications and broker CEU programs.
Set an Education Standard – Create a skills and behavior matrix for your team. Identify not just technical skills, but also soft skills like curiosity, decision-making, and the ability to say “pause” or “no” when compliance demands it.
Build the Business Case for Training – The cost of training is far less than the cost of turnover. Invest in your existing talent and highlight how learning reduces risk and strengthens company culture.
Think Globally – Don’t limit yourself to U.S. training programs. Look into courses offered in other countries (Ireland, Australia, etc.) for new perspectives on familiar trade topics.
Julie’s FIO (Figure It Out)
👉 This week’s action item: Set a professional education goal for yourself — or your team — this quarter. Identify one new course, certification, or skill area to pursue, and if you need buy-in, build your business case showing the ROI of training versus rehiring.
Keep the Conversation Going
Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and tell Renee & Julie:
Have you set an educational goal for yourself or your team?
Do you have a business case for training investment?
Which course or certification are you tackling next?
Credits
Hosts:Renee Chiuchiarelli – LinkedInJulie Parks – LinkedIn
Producer:Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
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 have topic suggestions?📩 Email us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com🐦 DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod

[ROUNDUP] Trade Deals, Green Policies, and the Rise of Trade Strategists

Host: Annik SobingGuest: Bonnie GutzPublished: October 12, 2025Length: ~29 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Europe’s Balancing Act: Free Trade, Green Goals, and the Future of Trade Strategy
In this Simply Trade Roundup episode, Annik Sobing welcomes back Bonnie Gutz, an expert in international trade regulation, compliance, and strategic trade leadership. Together, they explore how Europe is reshaping trade policy to balance growth and sustainability — and what that means for trade professionals worldwide.
The discussion kicks off with Europe’s newly finalized EU–Indonesia trade agreement, which removes tariffs on over 98% of goods. Bonnie breaks down the opportunities and the controversies surrounding this deal, particularly its overlap with the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). From palm oil and environmental impact to the politics of delaying green rules, this episode dives deep into Europe’s evolving priorities.
The conversation then shifts to the emergence of the “Trade Strategist” — a new kind of professional who integrates trade policy, finance, and compliance to help companies plan long-term. Finally, Annik and Bonnie discuss the WTO’s recent study on artificial intelligence and its prediction that AI could increase international trade by up to 40% over the next 15 years.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Key details of the EU–Indonesia Free Trade Agreement and its 98% tariff reduction.
How Europe’s environmental commitments — especially the EUDR — are being tested by economic and political realities.
Why palm oil sits at the center of the trade-versus-sustainability debate.
The emerging role of a Trade Strategist and why every global company may soon need one.
How AI and automation could increase global trade efficiency by 30–40%, according to the WTO.
Key Takeaways
The EU’s trade expansion efforts sometimes conflict with its sustainability goals, forcing hard policy choices.
The EUDR delay sparked pushback from businesses already prepared for its rollout — showing how compliance expectations are shifting.
The concept of a Trade Strategist reflects the growing intersection of compliance, strategy, and executive leadership.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming trade operations — from tariff classification to strategic forecasting.
Businesses that embrace AI early will likely lead in efficiency, compliance accuracy, and strategic agility.
Resources & Mentions
European Commission – EU–Indonesia Trade Agreement Announcement
EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
World Trade Organization – AI & Global Trade Study
Global Training Center
Credits
Host: Annik SobingGuest: Bonnie GutzProducer: Lalo Solorzano
Subscribe & Follow
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] Bigger Than the Whole Sky: Trade Updates and a Tribute to an Industry Legend

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: October 10, 2025Length: ~10 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Bigger Than the Whole Sky: Trade Updates and a Tribute to an Industry Legend
This week, Cindy Allen — the Taylor Swift of Trade — opens with the song Bigger Than the Whole Sky to deliver both a critical trade update and a heartfelt reflection.
Cindy begins by covering breaking developments in U.S.–China trade, including new restrictions on rare earth minerals and lithium batteries, retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-owned ships, and the potential escalation of mutual trade barriers. She also breaks down recent CBP clarifications on Section 232 duties for timber and lumber products, including tariff rates, exemptions, and country-specific limitations for the UK, Japan, and the EU.
The episode then takes a more personal turn as Cindy pays tribute to Anne Lister, co-founder of the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA), who passed away unexpectedly earlier this week. Through anecdotes, history, and heartfelt memories, Cindy honors Anne’s legacy, her contributions to the trade community, and the profound impact she had on those who knew her.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
China’s three new trade actions against the U.S.:• Restrictions on rare earth mineral exports• Tariffs on U.S.-owned ships• Restrictions on lithium batteries and production equipment
U.S. response and potential new tariff increases under Section 232
CBP clarification on lumber and timber tariffs, including duty rates and exemptions
How the UK, Japan, and the EU negotiated reduced rates under 232 agreements
The legacy of Anne Lister, co-founder of ICPA, and her lasting influence on trade compliance professionals
Key Takeaways:
China’s latest actions signal a deepening trade rift and potential escalation in tariff retaliation.
CBP’s timber and lumber clarification provides critical insight into product classification and country exemptions.
U.S. importers must monitor changes closely as new 232 measures take effect.
The global trade community remembers Anne Lister — a visionary who helped shape modern compliance education and connection.
Resources & Mentions:
Federal Register – Section 232 Tariff Notices
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA)
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.
👉 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!

[CANADA] Tariffs, Retaliation, and the Road to the 2025 IE Canada Summit

Host: Warrington EllacottGuest: William Pellerin – Partner, International Trade & Investment Law, McMillan LLPPublished: October 2025Presented by: Global Training Center
🇨🇦 From Tariffs to Trade Diversification: The Canadian Perspective
In this Simply Trade: Canada Edition, host Warrington Ellacott from the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters (IE Canada) sits down with returning guest William Pellerin of McMillan LLP for a candid conversation about how the shifting trade landscape is reshaping Canada’s import–export community.
From IEEPA tariffs and Canada’s retaliatory measures to new tariff rate quotas (TRQs) and countervailing duty cases, Warrington and Will break down the latest developments affecting manufacturers, exporters, and importers across the country.
They also explore how global supply chains are being redrawn along new geopolitical lines — and how Canadian provinces, policymakers, and the private sector are responding with trade diversification, infrastructure investment, and a renewed focus on internal collaboration.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How U.S. IEEPA and Section 232 tariffs are impacting Canadian sectorsThe rise of TRQs and their effect on the steel and aluminum industriesWhy Canada is experiencing a surge in anti-dumping and countervailing duty casesThe ripple effects of China’s retaliation on Canadian agriculture and seafood exportsHow Canada’s trade diversification strategy and new FTAs are reshaping global positioning
Key Takeaways
Tariff wars are evolving, and Canada is adapting by pursuing trade diversification and new bilateral agreements.
Canada’s TRQ system and retaliatory tariffs are forcing companies to reassess sourcing and supply strategies.
China’s countermeasures on canola and seafood illustrate the fragility of global market dependencies.
Despite challenges, there’s momentum behind domestic collaboration, with provinces working together to fast-track major infrastructure projects.
The upcoming IE Canada Summit in Ottawa is the place to hear directly from Canada’s trade leaders and policy voices.
Resources & Mentions
2025 IE Canada Summit – Event Details & Speakers (PDF)→ Use Promo Code: SIMPLYTRADE to receive a special discount when registering!
Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters (IE Canada)
McMillan LLP – International Trade & Investment Law
House of Commons CIIT Committee – Trade Hearings
Global Affairs Canada – Trade Diversification Strategy
Global Training Center
🎧 Credits
Host:
Warrington Ellacott – President, IE Canada
Guest:
William Pellerin – Partner, McMillan LLP
Produced by:
Lalo Solorzano, Global Training Center
📢 Subscribe & Follow
Presented by Global Training Center — your source for trade education, compliance training, and professional resources.👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
Connect with us:
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