Simply Trade

[Cindy’s Version] Everything Has Changed

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: November 21, 2025Length: ~12 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Summary
This week on Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen unpacks a dramatic shift in global trade policy—one that touches everything from tariff reductions to new exemptions and unexpected reversals. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Everything Has Changed, Cindy explains how seemingly overnight, the trade landscape has transformed in ways that directly impact importers, customs brokers, and compliance professionals.
From significant tariff rollbacks for China and Europe to new carve-outs for select products, Cindy walks through the week’s biggest developments and breaks down what’s real, what’s promised, and what’s still uncertain. In a moment where policies shift faster than supply chains can adapt, this episode brings clarity to the change—and perspective to the pace of it all.
This Week in Trade
• The administration announces a 10% reduction in tariffs on Chinese goods, including items previously subject to Section 301 duties• European-origin goods also receive reductions, with guidance forthcoming• CBP releases clarification on how these reductions apply operationally• Importers await confirmation on whether refunds will be automatic or require PSCs or protests• Supply chains begin recalibrating landed cost models and forecasting impacts
New Trade Developments
• China signals cooperation by easing rare earth export controls and increasing U.S. agricultural imports• The EU indicates interest in parallel reductions if the U.S. maintains consistency• Treasury and USTR state reductions are prospective, while refund policy remains under review• Early reduction categories include selected machinery, metals, and electronics• CBP urges importers to verify HTS classifications to ensure correct duty application
Why This Feels Like “Everything Has Changed”
Cindy highlights how quickly and massively the trade environment has shifted in just a few days. Overnight tariff reductions require importers to revisit landed costs, adjust contracts, notify customers, and reevaluate sourcing strategies. Customs brokers must reconfigure systems, classification profiles, and compliance workflows while fielding urgent questions from clients looking for immediate clarity. And with refund policy still unknown, teams must prepare for multiple scenarios, even as new developments continue to unfold. The cumulative effect: everything truly feels like it changed all at once.
Key Takeaways
• Tariff reductions could significantly cut duties for many importers• Refund guidance is still pending and may not be automatic• Accurate HTS classification is essential to capture reduced rates• China’s concessions may signal a possible easing of tensions• The speed of regulatory change is accelerating across all fronts
RESOURCES & MENTIONS
• Global Training Center• TradeForce Multiplier
Credits
Host:• Cindy Allen – LinkedIn• Trade Force Multiplier
Producer:• Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
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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!

IEEPA, 232, and the New Tariff Playbook: Eric Hargraves Breaks Down What’s Next for U.S. Trade Policy

 
Episode: #394Hosts:  Andy Shiles & Lalo SolorzanoGuest: Eric HargravesDirector – Elliott DavisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-hargraves-98a4572/Firm: Elliott Davis — https://www.linkedin.com/company/elliott-davis-1920/Published : November 20, 2025Length: ~34 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Episode Overview
In this in-depth roundtable discussion, Andy and Lalo welcome back Eric Hargraves, a listener favorite and trade policy expert known for breaking down complex issues with clarity. This episode tackles one of the hottest topics in global trade: the future of tariffs, IEEPA, and how the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision could reshape U.S. trade policy.
Eric shares his early analysis of the recent Supreme Court oral arguments on the use of IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) to impose broad, country-wide tariffs—an approach now under scrutiny. Together, they explore whether the U.S. is shifting away from country-of-origin-based tariffs toward sector-based or product-based tariff frameworks, and what that means for importers, exporters, and manufacturers.
They also take a historical walk through Section 232 and 301, discuss China’s role in the global supply chain, unpack forced labor concerns, and examine how trade policy is being used not just as an economic tool—but a geopolitical one.
If your business relies on global sourcing, supply chain planning, cost modeling, or tariff strategy, this is a must-listen episode that cuts through political noise and focuses on operational reality.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
🔍 1. The Supreme Court & IEEPA — What’s at Stake
Why the Court is skeptical about using IEEPA for broad tariff actions
Clarifying the difference between regulating importation and imposing de facto taxes
What a ruling against IEEPA tariffs could trigger
🧭 2. The Pivot Toward Sectoral Tariffs
Eric outlines an emerging pattern:
More Section 232 investigations (steel, aluminum, copper, lumber, autos, medical devices, robotics)
More code-specific exclusions and carve-outs
More targeted vs. country-wide tariff strategiesThis gives trade professionals more predictability—and new compliance challenges.
🌏 3. How We Got Here: WTO, China, & Forced Labor
The group revisits:
Post-WWII tariff negotiations and asymmetrical concessions
How China’s WTO accession reshaped global manufacturing
Forced labor issues (UFLPA) and global ethical responsibilities
Why bipartisan support exists for confronting unfair trade practices
⚙️ 4. Trade as a National Security Strategy
Why 232 tariffs matter for:
Defense industrial base
Pharmaceuticals
Critical minerals
Rare earths
Robotics and advanced manufacturing
Andy and Eric also highlight how trade agreements with partners like Australia and Japan support de-risking supply chains.
📈 5. What Importers Should Do RIGHT NOW
Eric provides three practical action steps:
Map exposure & opportunities
Understand current tariffs vs. new exemptions/exclusions
Identify where sectoral shifts may affect your sourcing
Prepare for legacy frameworks to shift
USMCA review in 2026
New carve-outs in CAFTA-DR and other bilateral frameworks
Don’t pivot your supply chain based on rumors
Only respond to published Federal Register notices + CBP guidance
Model landed cost scenarios now to act quickly later
He also warns companies to anticipate supplier renegotiations if tariff burdens disappear—they may try to claw back FOB discounts.
Resources Mentioned
Section 301 tariffs
Section 232 investigations
UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act)
WTO, GATT, and historical tariff frameworks
U.S. bilateral trade agreements and exemptions
Federal Register notices
CBP CSMS guidance
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[TIPS] Managing Roadblocks & Running Your Project Smoothly

Series: Project Management (Episode 4)Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie ParksLength: ~11 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Episode Summary
In this fourth installment of the Project Management mini-series, Renee and Julie break down what happens after you've aligned stakeholders, gained approvals, and kicked off your trade compliance project.
This episode focuses on the real work — running the project, managing roadblocks, and keeping everything on track with structure, clarity, and communication.
Renee and Julie walk through four practical steps that successful project managers rely on, whether you're implementing trade software, managing a compliance program, or improving broker performance.
If you're involved in any ongoing project (big or small), this episode gives you a clear, repeatable framework that keeps tasks moving, risks controlled, and your team accountable.
Key Takeaways
1️⃣ Establish Regular Tag-Ups
Two types of meetings are essential:
Project Team Meetings: more frequent, tactical, working-level
Sponsor or Leadership Tag-Ups: higher-level updates, monthly/quarterly
These keep everyone informed, connected, and aligned.
2️⃣ Run the Meeting with a Plan + Issues Log
A project without a plan… isn’t a project.Use tools such as:
Microsoft Project
Excel (RAG status works great)
A shared issues log
Your issues log should track:
Item number
Description
Date opened
Responsible party
Date closed
Notes (timestamp each meeting)
The log keeps the team organized and accountable — without calling anyone out.
3️⃣ Keep an Updated Risk Log
Projects evolve — and so do risks.New risks emerge, scope shifts, resources fluctuate.Your risk log helps you:
Track emerging risks
Flag issues for leadership
Prevent surprises during sponsor reviews
4️⃣ Communicate — Especially with a Round Table
Every meeting should end with:👉 “Does anyone have additional roadblocks or concerns we haven’t discussed?”
This creates a safe environment where team members feel heard, aligned, and empowered to raise real issues before they derail progress.
FIO: Figure It Out
This week’s action:➡️ Start an Issues Log — even for one small project.
Use Excel to track tasks, owners, dates, and notes. Send it out before and after each meeting.You’ll instantly improve alignment, accountability, and flow.
Once you try it, share your results in the Trade Geeks Community!
Keep the Conversation Going
Tell Renee and Julie how your issues log is working!Join the Trade Geeks Community:👉 Trade Geeks
Credits
Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli - LinkedIn
Julie Parks - LinkedIn
Producer:
Lalo SolorzanoLinkedIn
Subscribe & Follow
New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.
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
Want to Be on the Show or Suggest a Topic?
Email us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.comor DM us on Twitter/X: @SimplyTradePod

[ROUNDUP] How CBP Is Using AI to Detect Tariff Cheats with Pete Mento

Host: Annik SobingGuest: Pete MentoPublished: November 17, 2025Length: ~34 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
 
In this week’s News Roundup, host Annik Sobing is joined by global trade expert Pete Mento for a fast-paced and deeply insightful conversation about how U.S. Customs and Border Protection is using AI-based targeting to detect valuation fraud, origin manipulation, and transshipment schemes.
Pete explains why AI represents a new era of enforcement — where anomalies, false declarations, forced labor indicators, and risky supplier networks can be identified in seconds. He also warns that companies who think they’re “getting away with” origin washing or transshipment are likely to be caught.The two also dive into the coming Supreme Court decision on IEEPA tariffs, possible refund scenarios, the political landscape, and why proper recordkeeping may determine who survives the next wave of enforcement.
A high-energy, no-nonsense episode packed with real-world examples every importer needs to hear.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
🔎 Customs Is Using AI — Whether Industry Likes It or Not
AI is now detecting anomalies in classification, valuation, and country-of-origin patterns at scale.
Federal agencies are treating AI outputs as actionable enforcement data — even while telling importers not to fully trust AI themselves.
⚠️ Transshipment Is NOT Legal — Full Stop
Pete emphasizes clearly:“Transshipment is not something anyone should ever even consider.”
CBP’s data on supply-chain linkages (including forced-labor networks) makes origin washing easy to detect.
📚 Recordkeeping & Audit-Readiness Will Decide Who Survives
Companies with strong internal audits, clean documentation, and proactive supplier engagement will be best positioned if tariff refunds become available.
Importers relying on “but we’ve never been caught before” are in for a painful wake-up call.
💼 Enforcement Pressure Is Rising
Billions (potentially trillions) of dollars in tariffs mean CBP is operating more like a revenue agency than a facilitation agency.
Importers, suppliers, and freight forwarders are all facing tougher expectations for compliance.
🧠 AI Tools for Industry Are Catching Up
Companies like Otana, Exiger, and E2Open (formerly Avalara Trade) are developing tools to help importers audit HTS, valuation, and supply chain risk.
Pete predicts that in 12–24 months, AI-driven compliance tools will become standard for freight forwarders and importers.
⚖️ The Supreme Court IEEPA Tariff Case
Pete shares a detailed and balanced projection:
The Court may rule narrowly against the legality of how certain tariffs were implemented.
Refunds may be possible — but the mechanism could create a massive administrative burden.
Only importers who preserved rights (filing suit, protests, or PAAs) may recover funds.
🌍 Global Ripples
Other countries may adopt similar tariff structures as they watch U.S. revenue patterns.
Mexico’s 2026 tariff framework is highlighted as an example of forward notice and adjustment time.
RESOURCES & MENTIONS
Here are all items mentioned in the episode:
Article: “US Customs Will Use AI to Detect Tariff Cheats”
ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) – CBP’s entry & account system
ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association
CREDITS
Host: Annik Sobing — LinkedIn
Guest: Pete Mento — LinkedIn
Producer: Lalo Solorzano — LinkedIn
SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW
New Roundup episodes every week.
Presented by:Global Training Center — 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
Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?Email: SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.comTwitter/X: @SimplyTradePod

[Cindy’s Version] Death by a Thousand Cuts

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: November 14, 2025Length: ~14 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Summary
This week on Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen breaks down a whirlwind of trade developments—from the end of the federal shutdown to a rapid string of new tariff exemptions and reciprocal deals.
Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Death by a Thousand Cuts, Cindy explains how the industry isn’t being overwhelmed by one big policy shift, but by the relentless series of small, fragmented, high-impact changes that hit importers, customs brokers, and compliance teams day after day.
From air freight instability to Switzerland–U.S. negotiations, CAFTA carve-outs, and Argentina beef exemptions, Cindy sheds light on both the economic impact and the behind-the-scenes operational work that trade professionals must perform every time a new deal hits the headlines.
This Week in Trade
• The federal shutdown ends and the aviation system begins stabilizing• FAA restores routes after up to 6% of flights were cut• Air freight is preparing for a possible late-season peak (but uncertainty remains)• Global shipping flows shift again:• Europe, Middle East, Central America lanes show growth from China• U.S.-bound volumes remain down year-over-year• Anchorage continues its rise as a major air freight hub• Forecasts indicate overall soft demand for the remainder of the year
New Trade Developments
• U.S.–Switzerland trade deal announced(Details forthcoming; likely modeled after UK/EU/Japan tariff frameworks)
• Central America tariff revisions under CAFTA• Expected apparel exemptions for Guatemala & El Salvador• Guatemala coffee exempted — positive for major U.S. importers
• Argentina beef tariff reductions• Good for consumers• Raises sensitivity with U.S. cattle industry
Here’s a strong, concise paragraph version that keeps all the meaning but reads smoothly and professionally:
Why This Feels Like “Death by a Thousand Cuts”
Cindy explains that today’s trade environment is overwhelming not because of one major policy shift, but because of the constant stream of piecemeal announcements that arrive without warning. Industry groups have little opportunity to offer input, and each new deal or exemption forces customs brokers into a full operational cycle—from interpreting vague notices and waiting for CSMS or Federal Register clarification to updating systems, revising SOPs, identifying affected HTS numbers, retraining teams, and notifying clients. Importers face a parallel burden as they update classifications, reevaluate landed costs, adjust sourcing and contracts, and communicate financial impacts across their organizations. With several new deals dropping within just a couple of days, teams are completing multiple implementation cycles back-to-back, making the pressure feel like a true “death by a thousand cuts.”
Key Takeaways
• The shutdown is over, but volatility continues across aviation and freight• Global trade flows are shifting, but the U.S. remains an outlier in demand• New tariff deals bring benefits but impose significant operational burdens• Compliance and broker teams are stretched thin by continuous policy shifts• The industry is experiencing a true “death by a thousand cuts”
RESOURCES & MENTIONS
• Global Training Center
• TradeForce Multiplier
Credits
Host:• 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!

Tariff Tango: Supreme Court Steps Into Trade Compliance Chaos with Lila Landis and Jason Kenner

Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy ShilesGuests:
Lila Landis – JAS Worldwide, Global Head of Compliance
Jason Kenner – Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg
Published: November 2025Presented by: Global Training CenterLength: ~30 minutes
Episode Summary
This week on Simply Trade, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles dive into the recent Supreme Court hearings on IEEPA tariffs. What are the implications for trade compliance, importers, and exporters? Can tariffs truly be challenged, and what does that mean for revenue collection and the midterm elections?
Guests Lila Landis (JAS Worldwide) and Jason Kenner (Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg) provide expert insights on the legal arguments, practical impacts on compliance teams, and the political and economic consequences of the Court’s decision. They break down how emergency tariffs have been applied, the challenges of refunds, and what importers should expect moving forward.
Whether you’re a customs professional or a policy observer, this episode offers a clear and practical view of the rapidly evolving tariff landscape.
Key Topics
⚖️ The legal debate over IEEPA authority and presidential power to impose tariffs💰 Revenue collection, refunds, and “messiness” of tariff reversals📊 How different rulings could impact compliance teams and importers📝 Practical advice for trade compliance professionals to manage risk and expectations🏛️ Political and economic consequences, including potential effects on midterm elections🚨 Lessons from emergency tariff implementations — speed, volatility, and strategic planning
Quotes to Remember
“Even if IEEPA tariffs are struck down, it doesn’t mean tariffs go away — the administration has multiple other avenues.” — Lila Landis
“Customs knows who paid what, so refunds are feasible; the real question is when they will actually be issued.” — Lila Landis
“The importers had the better argument — both legally and in optics — because these tariffs have created real harms and volatility.” — Jason Kenner
“Trade compliance professionals must manage expectations within their organizations — the process will not be instant even if the Supreme Court rules against IEEPA.” — Lila Landis
Resources & Mentions
JAS Worldwide
Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg
Global Training Center
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – ACE Portal
IEEPA Tariffs Overview
Credits
Hosts:
Lalo Solorzano
Andy Shiles
Guests:
Lila Landis – JAS Worldwide
Jason Kenner – Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg
Produced by: Global Training Center
📢 Subscribe & Follow
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[TIPS] Stakeholder Alignment & Financial Support: The Two-Meeting Approach

Hosts:Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie ParksPublished: November 11, 2025Length: ~13 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
💡 Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade [Tips], Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) dive into one of the most critical elements of project success — stakeholder alignment and financial support.
Building on their earlier discussions about identifying projects and crafting strong business cases, they now share how to get everyone — from team members to leadership — formally on board. Their secret? A practical, repeatable Two-Meeting Approach that helps move projects forward smoothly, even when feedback is tough.
Whether your project is big or small, this episode offers clear strategies to engage stakeholders, manage risk, and secure the sign-offs and funding you need to deliver results.
🧠 Key Takeaways
Identify Stakeholders Early – Use a “cradle-to-grave” process map to visualize every department, internal and external, that touches your project.
Engage Both Levels – Include leadership and the team members doing the work. Both perspectives are essential for success.
The Two-Meeting Approach:
Meeting 1: The Feedback Session – Present your proposal, collect input, and note “likes, concerns, and suggestions.” Don’t defend or persuade — just listen.
Meeting 2: The Resolution Session – Return with responses and mitigations for the feedback you received. This shows you listened, builds trust, and keeps the project moving forward.
Formalize the Sign-Off – Use a written approval document or form to ensure everyone agrees on cost, scope, and responsibilities.
Communicate Constantly – Hold regular working meetings to track issues and progress, plus separate leadership updates to share successes, risks, and next steps.
🧭 FIO (Figure It Out)
👉 Action Item: Try the Two-Meeting Approach — even for a small project.Use it to gather feedback on a new process, tool, or idea, and then circle back with mitigations or updates.You’ll be amazed at how this approach builds buy-in and reenergizes stalled projects.
Then, share your experience in the Trade Geeks Community!
💬 Keep the Conversation Going
Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and tell Renee & Julie:
Have you tried the Two-Meeting Approach?
What challenges or wins did you experience?
How do you get stakeholder buy-in for your projects?
🎧 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
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] Surviving Tariffs, Broker Mistakes, and Importer Realities

Host: Annik SobingGuest: Joe Burks, Importer at YamahaPublished: November 10, 2025Length: ~23 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
The Importer’s Burden: Navigating Tariffs, Errors, and an Ever-Shifting Trade Landscape
In this week’s Simply Trade Roundup, Annik Sobing welcomes Joe Burks, importer at Yamaha, to unpack the very real challenges trade professionals face amid ever-changing tariffs, tight timelines, and limited resources.
From 301 and 232 tariffs to broker errors, Joe sheds light on the daily grind of staying compliant while keeping operations moving. He discusses how misapplied Chapter 99 codes, like those covering metal derivatives, can lead to a 50% spike in duties overnight — and how proactive auditing helped Yamaha recover over $52,000 in refunds.
Annik and Joe also dive into the human side of trade: burnout, job security, and the importance of communicating value to management. Joe shares how he secured an additional headcount by quantifying trade’s impact, proving that compliance teams can and do add measurable value.
The episode wraps up with a forward-looking conversation about AI in trade compliance, the Supreme Court’s review of tariffs, and the uncertainty around potential duty refunds. Joe’s advice? Don’t rely on policy changes — manage what you can control, audit your entries, and build resilience in your processes.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How 301 and 232 tariffs are creating major operational challenges for importers.
Why auditing broker work is critical — even when you’ve worked with them for years.
The impact of misapplied Chapter 99 exceptions on cost and compliance.
Practical ways to communicate your team’s value and get leadership buy-in.
How AI automation tools can help offset limited staffing and improve accuracy.
What trade professionals should watch for as the Supreme Court weighs in on tariffs and potential refunds.
Key Takeaways
Always audit your broker’s work — one misclassified entry could cost thousands.
Track and measure trade data to show results; “You can’t fix what you don’t measure.”
AI won’t replace compliance professionals but can automate manual steps.
Don’t depend on policy changes or refunds — focus on process control and accuracy.
Communicating trade’s financial value (e.g., duty refunds) can earn you a seat at the table.
Resources & Mentions
Yamaha Motor Company
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Section 301 Trade Remedies
U.S. Department of Commerce – Section 232 Tariffs
Global Training Center
Credits
Host: Annik SobingGuest: Joe BurksProducer: 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
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?📩 Reach us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.comor DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod

[Cindy’s Version] End Game

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: November 7, 2025Length: ~15 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
End Game: The Supreme Court, IEEPA Tariffs, and What Comes Next
This week on Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen takes inspiration from Taylor Swift’s End Game to unpack one of the most closely watched moments in international trade this year — the Supreme Court hearing on the IEEPA tariff case.
Speaking from Detroit while traveling during the ongoing federal shutdown, Cindy breaks down the key issues debated before the Court, from the meaning of “regulate imports” to the limits of presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
She also covers the new Section 232 tariffs on heavy-duty trucks and buses, the reduction in flights ordered by the FAA amid the shutdown, and the possible ripple effects across global supply chains.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
New Section 232 tariffs effective November 10:• 25% on heavy-duty trucks• 10% on buses• Carve-outs for emergency vehicles• Country limitations — UK (10%), EU (15%), Japan (15%)
Reduction of IEEPA fentanyl tariffs to 10%
Details of the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history and its impact on:• Air travel (10–15% reduction in flights)• Cargo movement and trucking• Supply chain coordination
Key moments from the Supreme Court IEEPA hearing (Nov 5):• Justices debate the meaning of “regulate imports”• Split questioning along ideological lines• Discussion on licensing fees, tariffs, and refund logistics
What happens next — possible outcomes of the Court’s decision and their trade implications
Key Takeaways:
The IEEPA case could reshape presidential trade authority and future tariff enforcement.
Refund scenarios range from automatic government-issued payments to lengthy entry-by-entry protests.
Even if IEEPA duties are struck down, Section 232 or 122 authorities could be used to reimpose tariffs.
De minimis relief is unlikely to return, regardless of the IEEPA ruling.
The decision may come faster than usual — possibly within a month — under pressure to resolve before 2026.
Resources & Mentions:
Supreme Court of the United States – Docket Information
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Federal Register – Section 232 Notices
U.S. Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security
U.S. Department of Transportation – FAA Announcements
Trade Force Multiplier
Credits
Host:
Cindy Allen – LinkedIn
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!
Would you like me to now create a LinkedIn post for this episode — maybe something that ties in the End Game theme with the uncertainty and high stakes of the IEEPA Supreme Court hearing?

From Hay Bales to AI — How Automation Is Transforming Trade Compliance

Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy ShilesGuests:
Anand Raghavendran– KYG Trade
Gagan Bhasin – VAOPublished: October 2025Presented by: Global Training CenterLength: ~45 minutes
Episode Summary
What do hay bales, compliance teams, and artificial intelligence have in common? A lot more than you might think.
In this week’s Simply Trade episode, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles reflect on the evolution of automation — from manual fieldwork to cutting-edge AI tools transforming global trade. Recorded shortly after the ICPA Fall Conference, this episode dives into two of the biggest topics dominating the industry: tariff mitigation and AI-driven efficiency.
Guests Anand Raghavendran (KYG) and Gagan Bhasin (VAO) share how AI is revolutionizing classification, post-entry audits, document processing, and compliance monitoring — helping trade professionals do more with less. They also address the very real challenges of implementing AI responsibly, building organizational buy-in, and maintaining data security.
This conversation blends real-world examples, humor, and strategic advice — reminding every listener that AI isn’t replacing trade professionals… but those who know how to use it will be the ones who thrive.
Key Topics
The evolution of automation — from hay balers to AI in trade compliance
AI’s expanding role in HTS classification and post-entry audits
Using AI to read, process, and reconcile import/export documentation
How to build a successful implementation strategy and secure buy-in
Balancing innovation with data protection and information security
Why AI is a tool, not a threat — and how trade professionals can lead the charge
Quotes to Remember
“AI is never going to replace humans — it’s facilitating and improving the efficiency of the people behind it.” — Anand
“Trade professionals are the superheroes keeping supply chains stable. They may not wear capes, but they deserve all the support they can get.” — Gagan
“If you’re not learning AI, someone who is will replace you.” — Lalo Solorzano
Resources & Mentions
KYG Trade
VAO
ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association
U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security – Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
Global Training Center
Credits
Hosts:
Lalo Solorzano
Andy Shiles
Guests:
Anand Raghavendran – KYG Trade
Gagan Bhasin – VAO
Produced by: Global Training Center
📢 Subscribe & Follow
Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.
🎧 Listen on:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
💬 Connect with us:
Simply Trade on LinkedIn
Global Training Center on LinkedIn
Trade Geeks Community