Simply Trade

[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Spotting manufacturer ID errors, missed CF-28 notices, or outdated tariff entries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
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Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.
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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
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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?📩 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
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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] 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:
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Global Training Center on LinkedIn
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[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
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Presented by Global Training Center — your source for trade education, compliance training, and professional resources.👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
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[TIPS] Self-Branding: Defining Your Image and Influence in Trade

Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie ParksPublished: [Insert publish date here]Length: ~7 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
In this Career mini-series episode, Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) unpack one of the most underrated skills in a trade professional’s toolkit — self-branding. Whether you’re defining your personal image or shaping how your department is viewed, your brand determines how others trust, engage, and value your work.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Who Are You (or Your Department)? – Identify your values, authenticity, and risk profile. How do you show up in your organization and community?
What Do You Do? – Define your scope: import, export, compliance, or operations — and what sets you apart.
Who Do You Work For? – Understand how company size, industry, and complexity influence your brand and the story you tell.
How Do You Operate? – Highlight what makes you passionate and effective. Use AI tools to refine your personal branding statement and showcase your strengths.
Renee and Julie share practical examples, including using AI to craft branding statements that truly capture who you are. Julie’s own example:
“Turning global trade complexity into a strategic advantage — from borders to bottom line.”
Julie’s FIO (Figure It Out)
👉 This week’s action item: Answer the four branding questions for yourself (or your department). Revisit how you and your team are perceived, and refresh your personal or professional brand statement to match where you are today.
Keep the Conversation Going
Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and tell Renee & Julie:
Did you go through the four branding questions?
How would you describe your personal or departmental brand?
What’s one thing you’ll change to strengthen that brand?
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
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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?Email us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.comDM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod

[EVENTS]: Mexico & Texas — two must-attend trade events this fall

Hosts: Annik Sobing & Andy ShilesGuests: Alyson Hachey, Elisabeth Sherrell, Bonnie Kersch, Lila Landis & George ReidPublished: October 5, 2025Length: ~29 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
In this episode Annik Sobing and Andy Shiles are joined by a panel of conference organizers and long-time trade educators — Alyson Hachey, Elisabeth Sherrell, Bonnie Kersch, Lila Landis and George Reid — to preview two upcoming events: the MIC Customs / ICPA Mexico Conference in Mexico City and the ICPA Fall Trade Days in Grapevine, Texas. The conversation covers who should attend, the unique focus of each event, practical tips for getting the most out of the conferences (including networking and bringing cross-functional colleagues), and fun details like the opening reception, themed activities, and opportunities for virtual networking before and after the in-person gatherings.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The purpose and format of the MIC Customs / ICPA Mexico Conference (Mexico City, Nov 5–6).
The schedule and special programming for ICPA Fall Trade Days (Grapevine, TX): opening reception Oct 26, main conference Oct 27–28, plus ITAR-related sessions following the conference (Oct 29, 30 and 1 as discussed).
How the two events differ in content and audience (Mexico conference = Mexico-focused trade & cross-border issues; Grapevine = broader trade + ITAR programming).
Practical networking tips (how to approach meals/sessions, what to bring, and how to translate conference takeaways into a short briefing for leadership).
Why practitioners should bring colleagues from finance, purchasing, sourcing and logistics to get cross-functional value from the sessions.
Key Takeaways
The Mexico conference and the Grapevine Fall Trade Days serve different but complementary needs — both are valuable depending on your role and geographic focus.
Networking is one of the highest-return activities at these events; intentionally meet new people and use pre/post virtual networking opportunities.
Bring one or two colleagues from other functions (finance, purchasing, logistics) so you can turn conference insights into actionable company plans.
Prepare a short, snappy 2–3 slide summary to brief leadership when you return — the panel recommends focusing on risks, decisions needed, and quick wins.
The events mix serious compliance content with community-building (receptions, line dancing, games) — plan to learn and connect.
Resources & Mentions
ICPA Trade Days 2025
MIC Customs / ICPA Mexico Conference
Global Training Center
Credits
Hosts:
Annik Sobing
Andy Shiles
Guests:
Alyson Hachey
Elisabeth Sherrell
Bonnie Kersch
Lila Landis
George Reid
Producer: 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
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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] The Life of a Trade Girl

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: October 3, 2025Length: ~13 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
The Life of a Trade Girl: Shutdowns, Tariffs, and the Struggle of Country of Origin
In this week’s episode, Cindy Allen draws inspiration from Taylor Swift’s brand-new album The Life of a Show Girl—and reimagines it as The Life of a Trade Girl. With new Section 232 tariffs on lumber, cabinets, and vanities, plus looming duties on pharmaceuticals and medical devices, Cindy unpacks why navigating layered tariffs and multiple country-of-origin rules has trade professionals feeling the weight of confusion.
From the ongoing government shutdown to CBP’s enforcement posture and the uncertainty surrounding free trade agreements, this episode highlights both the resilience and the frustration of today’s trade community.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How the current government shutdown is affecting CBP operations and other government agencies
New Section 232 duties effective October 14 on lumber, kitchen cabinets, and vanities
The administration’s delayed rollout of 232 duties on pharmaceuticals and medical devices
The role of exemptions for companies breaking ground on U.S. manufacturing facilities
Why brand-name vs. generic pharmaceuticals will matter for tariff application
How Ireland and Switzerland could be most affected by pharmaceutical tariffs
The growing complexity of country-of-origin determinations across:• HTS reporting• Free trade agreement qualification• Section 232 applicability• Multi-layered duties on aluminum and steel
Why brokers and importers are struggling with multiple overlapping tariff annexes
Key Takeaways:
CBP trade processing is continuing with minimal disruption despite the shutdown, though delays may occur with other government agency inspections.
Importers face new uncertainty as layered tariffs create multiple, conflicting country-of-origin determinations.
Pharmaceutical tariffs remain unclear, but exemptions may apply for U.S.-based or expanding manufacturers.
Ireland and Switzerland are key pharmaceutical exporters likely to be heavily impacted.
Customs brokers must navigate increasingly complex 232 annexes, requiring spreadsheets and case-by-case analysis.
Resources & Mentions:
Federal Register – Section 232 Notices
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
U.S. Department of the Treasury
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
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!