Simply Trade
Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work? Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance? Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’? If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you. Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade. We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed! You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders. Let’s get to it!
Episodes
![[Cindy’s Version] I Can Do It With a Broken Heart](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14879952/ST_Andy-Annik-Lalo_1x1_EP-Coverart_v2_300x300.png)
Friday Sep 12, 2025
[Cindy’s Version] I Can Do It With a Broken Heart
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Host: Cindy AllenPublished: September 12, 2025Length: ~15 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
I Can Do It With a Broken Heart: Trade Updates, 9/11 Reflections, and DHS Reorganization
In this week’s episode, Cindy Allen takes inspiration from Taylor Swift’s I Can Do It With a Broken Heart to unpack trade updates, court battles, and the lasting impact of 9/11 on U.S. trade and security policy.
From the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the IEEPA reciprocal tariff case to ongoing discussions about reorganizing DHS and CBP, Cindy brings clarity to complex trade issues—all while reflecting on the transformation of trade and security programs born in the aftermath of 9/11.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Supreme Court to hear the IEEPA reciprocal tariffs challenge in November
What a potential importer refund process could look like
Section 122 as a possible bridge tool for duty assessments
Why Section 232, 301, and fentanyl duties remain unaffected by the IEEPA case
How 9/11 reshaped trade: CTPAT, Importer Security Filing, TSA, and DHS itself
Current discussions on reorganizing DHS and Customs & Border Protection
The possible merging of the Office of Trade and Office of Field Operations
Key Takeaways:
Importers must prepare for ongoing duty assessments, even if refund pathways open.
The IEEPA case could significantly impact Treasury revenues and the federal deficit.
9/11 transformed international trade security programs, many still in place today.
DHS reorganization could change how CBP balances trade enforcement and duty collection.
Leadership alignment at CBP offers cautious optimism for the future of trade policy.
Resources & Mentions:
Supreme Court of the United States – Docket Information
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
CTPAT – Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Trade Force Multiplier
Credits
Hosts:
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!

Thursday Sep 11, 2025
CBP on Broker Continuing Education, What Brokers Need to Know with Elena Ryan
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Host: Lalo SolorzanoGuest: Elena Ryan, Special Advisor, CBPPublished: September 11, 2025Length: ~42 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
In this special episode, Lalo sits down with Elena Ryan of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to unpack the details of the new continuing education requirement for Licensed Customs Brokers.
Elena walks through how the program came to life, what the triennial cycle means, and why CBP designed the credit system to balance rigor with accessibility. From free training opportunities to the role of accreditors, this conversation offers brokers and training providers a clear look into what compliance will mean through 2027.
You’ll also hear how CBP is working with industry to ensure flexibility, transparency, and professionalization of the broker community.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How CBP’s continuing education requirement for brokers came into effect
What the triennial cycle is and how the 2025–2027 cycle works
The role of the five private accreditors + CBP in assigning credit
How free and low-cost training options (including CBP webinars) fit in
Why continuing education strengthens the professionalization of customs brokers
Key Takeaways:
Brokers must complete 20 credits for the current 2025–2027 cycle (instead of 36).
CBP emphasized accessibility: credits can come from private providers, associations, and free CBP/OGA webinars.
Accreditors ensure fair credit assignment, but brokers themselves must track their education for audits.
National permits and automation have transformed broker operations, making education more important than ever.
Continuing education puts brokers on par with other licensed professions, raising the bar for the industry.
📌 Resources & Mentions:
CBP – Broker Continuing Education
Federal Register – Broker Education Final Rule (June 2023)
TruTrade Solutions
NCBFAA – National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America
ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association
Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.
E-Merchants Trade Council
Global Training Center – Accredited trade education provider
🎧 Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Guest:
Elena Ryan – Special Advisor, CBP
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
📢 Subscribe & Follow
New 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!
![[TIPS]: Communications: Cutting Through the Noise](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14879952/ST_Andy-Annik-Lalo_1x1_EP-Coverart_v2_300x300.png)
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
[TIPS]: Communications: Cutting Through the Noise
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie ParksPublished: [Insert publish date here]Length: ~4 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
In the final installment of the Tariff Chaos mini-series, (dont worry, we have several other series coming up) Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) tackle the one thing that makes or breaks a trade compliance strategy: communication.
With tariffs shifting weekly, how you frame updates and who you deliver them to is just as important as the analysis itself. This episode dives into practical ways to avoid “tariff fatigue” while keeping your executives and teams engaged.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Identify Your Audience – Determine who needs tariff updates: executives, task forces, committees, or broader staff groups.
Set the Right Cadence – In today’s environment, weekly updates may be necessary to keep leadership informed and reduce uncertainty.
Engage Other Departments – Finance, supply chain, and other functions should be part of the conversation. Call out their contributions to strengthen alignment.
Julie’s FIO (Figure It Out)
👉 This week’s action item: Map out your comms path. Decide who gets tariff updates, how often, and in what format (newsletter, task force meeting, executive brief, etc.). Move from ad hoc emails to a consistent, repeatable approach.
Keep the Conversation Going
Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and tell Renee & Julie:
What does your tariff communications path look like?
How are you keeping leadership and cross-functional partners engaged without overwhelming them?
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]: The De Minimis Fallout with Marianne Rowden](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog14879952/Annik_News_Logo7liz1_300x300.jpg)
Monday Sep 08, 2025
[ROUNDUP]: The De Minimis Fallout with Marianne Rowden
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Host: Annik SobingGuest: Marianne Rowden (CEO & Director, E-Merchents Trade Council)Published: September 8, 2025Length: ~42 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
🌍 Life After De Minimis: What E-Commerce Importers Need to Know
In this week’s Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing welcomes back Marianne Rowden, CEO of the E-Merchants Trade Council, for an in-depth discussion on the fast-moving crisis following the end of de minimis entry benefits on August 29.
Marianne breaks down what the loss of de minimis really means for importers, e-commerce sellers, and global supply chains — from skyrocketing compliance costs to postal suspensions and the new wave of IEEPA tariffs. She explains why this shift is far more than a duty issue, and how small businesses are now being forced into a maze of tariffs, complex customs filings, and compliance risks that could reshape the entire e-commerce landscape.
🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
📦 The De Minimis Exit – Why this long-standing provision was critical for e-commerce and why its end is creating shockwaves.💰 Tariffs on Tariffs – How overlapping IEEPA tariffs stack up, raising effective duty rates beyond 50% for some countries.📮 Postal Suspensions – Why more than 30 countries have halted shipments to the U.S., and what carriers are doing to adapt.🏬 Business Model Pivots – The rise of B2B2C structures, bonded warehouses, and changes in Incoterms — and why many of these “quick fixes” may not work.⚖️ Compliance Pitfalls – First Sale, transfer pricing, and tariff engineering — which are legitimate tools and which could get you into serious trouble.🚨 New Enforcement Landscape – How DOJ’s expanded trade fraud task force changes the risk equation for importers and e-sellers.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
De minimis was about simplified compliance as much as it was about duty savings.
The removal forces importers into a high-tariff, high-complexity environment.
Quick fixes like transfer pricing or misused Incoterms can backfire — small importers must tread carefully.
Postal systems weren’t ready — the six-month “tiered duty” workaround is only temporary.
DOJ’s involvement means trade fraud enforcement will be broader and harsher than ever.
📌 Resources & Mentions:
E-Merchants Trade Council
White House Fact Sheet: Executive Order Eliminating De Minimis for China and Hong Kong
FlavorCloud: The End of the U.S. $800 De Minimis Rule — What It Means for Consumers
AInvest: De Minimis Exemption Reshaping Commerce, Retail Margins, and Supply Chain Risks
CBP FAQ on IEEPA Reciprocal Tariffs
CRS: Court Challenges to IEEPA Tariffs
Credits
Host: Annik Sobing - LinkedIn
Guest: Marianne Rowden - LinkedIn
Producer: Lalo Solorzano - LinkedIn
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]: Bad Blood](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14879952/ST_Andy-Annik-Lalo_1x1_EP-Coverart_v2_300x300.png)
Friday Sep 05, 2025
[Cindy's Version]: Bad Blood
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Host: Cindy AllenPublished: September 5, 2025Length: ~13 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
💡 Bad Blood in Trade: De Minimis Fallout, Court Battles, and Postal Standoffs
In this week’s Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen — the Taylor Swift of Trade — takes on Bad Blood to explain the rising tensions across global trade. From the elimination of de minimis to international postal suspensions, legal fights over tariff authority, and new duty structures in Japan, Cindy breaks down why there’s “bad blood” between governments, carriers, and traders alike.
She also covers the latest on the IEEPA court case, potential Supreme Court review, and how importers should prepare for refunds and liquidation monitoring.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The federal appeals court ruling on IEEPA tariffs and what’s next at the Supreme Court
How importers can monitor liquidation reports and protect potential refunds
Japan’s new trade deal structure mirroring the EU’s 15% cap system
The impact of de minimis elimination on postal shipments — with some countries halting package delivery to the U.S.
Why carriers are refusing to act as duty collectors, leaving space for new third-party solutions
The Universal Postal Union’s surprising reversal in supporting U.S. customs authority
The role of the STOP Act in allowing USPS to appoint brokers as nominal consignees
Key Takeaways:
Importers should closely monitor liquidation reports to safeguard refund eligibility.
New duty collection models are emerging as carriers step back from responsibility.
The elimination of de minimis has caused international postal disruptions and strained relationships.
UPU’s shift marks a major acknowledgment of U.S. customs authority over inbound shipments.
Interim solutions may stabilize the situation, but bad blood remains across global trade partners.
Resources & Mentions:
Federal Register – Section 232 & Reciprocal Tariffs Notices
Supreme Court of the United States – Docket Information
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
STOP Act Overview – U.S. Postal Service Inspector General
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!
![[CAREERS] Breaking Barriers in Trade & Tech: Amy Morgan's Journey](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog14879952/Annik_News_Logo7liz1_300x300.jpg)
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
[CAREERS] Breaking Barriers in Trade & Tech: Amy Morgan's Journey
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
🎙️ Simply Trade: Roundup – Careers Edition with Amy MorganHost: Annik SobingGuest: Amy Morgan (VP of Trade Compliance, Altana Technologies)Published: September 4, 2025Length: ~33 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
🌍 From Trade Nerd to Trailblazer: Amy Morgan’s Career Journey
In this special Careers Edition of the Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing sits down with Amy Morgan, Vice President of Trade Compliance at Altana Technologies, to explore her remarkable path through the world of global trade, compliance, and technology.
From starting out in Seattle’s port-driven economy to shaping compliance strategies at Nordstrom, Costco, Amazon, and now leading trade innovation at Altana, Amy’s career story is one of curiosity, resilience, and trailblazing leadership. Known as the founder of the Trade Nerds community and an advocate for women in trade and tech, Amy shares how she turned challenges into opportunities — and why she believes AI is redefining the future of compliance.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Early Roots – How growing up in Seattle’s port city culture sparked Amy’s interest in trade.
Finding Her Path – From Nordstrom to Amazon to Altana, and the moments that shaped her career.
Breaking Barriers – Challenges faced as a young woman in trade, and how mentors shaped her journey.
The Power of Community – Why she launched the Trade Nerds network and how it’s grown.
AI in Compliance – How technology is transforming compliance from reactive to strategic.
Life Lessons – The advice she would give her younger self about confidence, curiosity, and taking up space.
Key Takeaways:
Trade compliance is no longer just about fixing problems — it’s about shaping business strategy.
Communities like Trade Nerds empower professionals to connect and thrive in uncertain times.
Gender barriers exist, but grit, mentorship, and excellence help break through.
AI and data transparency are driving the future of resilient, sustainable supply chains.
Passion and success don’t have to be separate — you can have both.
📌 Resources & Mentions:
Learn more about Amy Morgan and her work at Altana Technologies
Join the Trade Nerds community at major industry conferences and events
Amy’s blog post on shifting compliance from reactive to strategic
Insights on AI and trade innovation from Altana’s leadership team
Credits
Host: Annik Sobing - LinkedIn
Producer: Lalo Solorzano - LinkedIn
Guest: Amy Morgan - LinkedIn
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
![[TIPS] Tariff Globalization: Navigating Trade Beyond U.S. Borders](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14879952/ST_Andy-Annik-Lalo_1x1_EP-Coverart_v2_300x300.png)
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
[TIPS] Tariff Globalization: Navigating Trade Beyond U.S. Borders
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie ParksPublished: September 3, 2025Length: ~6 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
In this installment of the Tariff Chaos mini-series, Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) go global. Trade compliance isn’t just a U.S. challenge — and as tariffs expand across borders, organizations need to prepare for the complexities of tariff globalization.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Know Who’s Who in Your Organization – Identify key roles across finance, supply chain, purchasing, and customs in every country where you import, export, or produce.
Stay Ahead of Global Regulations – Track resources like the Canadian Gazette, and lean on your international network for early insights.
Use Your Brokers Wisely – Customs brokers abroad can be an invaluable source of regulatory intelligence. Build relationships with them to strengthen your global trade strategy.
Julie’s FIO (Figure It Out)
👉 This week’s action item: Reach out to at least one global point of contact (internal or external). Confirm their responsibilities, get their data organized, and make sure they know you’ll need their support as tariff globalization unfolds.
Keep the Conversation Going
Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and tell Renee & Julie:
Did you “make a friend” internally?
Who are your go-to contacts in other countries?
How are you organizing your network for global tariff readiness?
Credits
Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarellihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-chiuchiarelli-lcb-ccs-8964a19/ Julie Parks:https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ann-parks/
Producer: Lalo Solorzanohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/
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 on LinkedIn, LinkedIn (GTC), YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts,join the Trade Geeks community, or email us at simplytrade@globaltrainingcenter.com.
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

Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
simplyTRADEguys: When Trade Podcasts Collide
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles
Guests: William A. Reinsch & Scott Miller (Hosts of The Trade Guys podcast), moderated by Evan Brown
Published: September 2, 2025
Length: ~45 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center
🎙️ Simply Trade x The Trade Guys – Two Podcasts, One Trade Conversation
🌍 When Trade Podcasts Collide
This episode marks a special collaboration between Simply Trade and The Trade Guys podcast from CSIS. Joining Lalo and Andy are William A. Reinsch and Scott Miller, with Evan Brown moderating.
The roundtable dives into tariffs, trade policy, and a timely de minimis discussion—what changes taking effect at midnight on August 29 mean for importers and why some see an enormous paperwork burden ahead. You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes origins: The Trade Guys tipping their hat to NPR’s Car Talk.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
What the latest de minimis change means in practice—and why timing matters
How tariff and policy shifts ripple into day-to-day compliance decisions
Why making trade conversations approachable (Car Talk vibes) actually helps professionals
The value of collaboration between podcasts and practitioners to broaden perspective
Key Takeaways
De minimis changes coming into force immediately can add real paperwork burden for importers
Tariffs and policy steer compliance strategy—be proactive, not reactive
Story-driven explanations (a la Car Talk) make complex trade issues stick
The Pancho & Lefty quip underscores Simply Trade’s approachable style
Cross-podcast collaboration strengthens the trade community’s understanding
📌 Resources & Mentions:
The Trade Guys Podcast (CSIS)
Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS)
CBP Trade Newsroom – U.S. Customs latest trade updates
WTO – Tariff Data
Global Training Center – Trade education and compliance resources
🎧 Credits
Hosts:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Andy Shiles – LinkedIn
Guests:
William A. Reinsch – LinkedIn | Co-host, The Trade Guys
Scott Miller – LinkedIn | Co-host, The Trade Guys
Evan Brown – LinkedIn | Moderator, The Trade Guys
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
📢 Subscribe & Follow
New 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] We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14879952/ST_Andy-Annik-Lalo_1x1_EP-Coverart_v2_300x300.png)
Friday Aug 29, 2025
[Cindy’s Version] We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Host: Cindy AllenPublished: August 29, 2025Length: ~15 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
💡 The End of De Minimis: A Breakup That Changes Trade Forever
This week, Cindy Allen — the Taylor Swift of Trade — takes inspiration from We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together to mark the official end of de minimis. For over a decade, Cindy lived and breathed this program while at DHL and FedEx, but as of August 29, 2025, de minimis is gone — and the trade world is already feeling the ripple effects.
From India’s new 50% tariffs to recession warnings from top economists, Cindy explains why small businesses, warehouses, and e-commerce platforms may be heading into a whole new era of compliance, cost control, and consumer pricing.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
India’s reciprocal tariffs jump to 50% tied to Russian oil sourcing
Why leading economists are warning that tariffs could trigger a U.S. recession
The rise and fall of de minimis — from a 1930s travel perk to $800 duty-free imports
How small businesses leveraged de minimis to grow — and why its end may reshape competition
The shift toward Foreign Trade Zones, bonded warehouses, and U.S. fulfillment strategies
What “for sale” structuring and B2B2C transactions mean for compliance
Why CBP wants consumer-level data and how the loss of Type 86 impacts targeting
The uncertain path forward: industry groups pressing CBP for new guidance
Key Takeaways:
De minimis allowed 1.4 billion shipments annually — its removal is reshaping e-commerce and compliance.
Some companies are raising prices, others are exiting the U.S. market entirely.
Warehousing demand in the U.S. is surging as companies front-load and consolidate shipments.
CBP faces new challenges as critical consumer-level data disappears.
Industry is waiting for CBP guidance to bring predictability to the new landscape.
Resources & Mentions:
Federal Register – Section 232 & Reciprocal Tariffs Notices
Ellen Hughes-Cromwick, University of Michigan Economic Analysis
Mark Zandi – Moody’s Analytics Chief Economist
NCBFAA – National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America
COAC – Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee
TFTEA – Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act (2016/2017)
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.👉 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!

Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy ShilesGuest: Diane Perez, Senior Trade ManagerPublished: August 28, 2025Length: ~38 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
🌍 The Broker Relationship That Makes or Breaks Trade
The right customs broker isn’t just a vendor — they’re a strategic partner. In this episode, Lalo and Andy sit down with Diane Perez to unpack why importer–broker relationships are the backbone of compliance and trade success.
With experience at Amazon, Pratt & Whitney, Henkel, Diageo, and Oura, Diane brings both the importer and broker perspective. She explains why brokers should be seen as trusted advisors, how proactive audits and reviews keep compliance on track, and why communication and data quality are critical in today’s tariff-heavy, post–de minimis world.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why importer–broker relationships are more like strategic partnerships than vendor contractsHow quarterly broker audits, KPIs, and SLAs can strengthen complianceWhy proactive data sharing empowers brokers to keep freight movingWhat importers often underestimate about a broker’s day-to-day responsibilitiesWhy communication and trust are essential in a rapidly changing trade environment
Key Takeaways:
A customs broker relationship is more like a tax accountant than a transactional vendor.
Quarterly broker reviews, audits, and performance metrics build accountability.
Data quality starts with importers — compliance is ultimately your responsibility.
Switching brokers too often weakens compliance and trust.
Giving brokers “a seat at the table” makes them true partners in strategy, not just paperwork.
Resources & Mentions:
NCBFAA (National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America)
ICPA (International Compliance Professionals Association)
ACE Portal – U.S. Customs Automated Commercial Environment
Credits
Hosts:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Andy Shiles – LinkedIn
Guest:
Diane Perez – LinkedIn
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
Subscribe & Follow
New 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!

Why Simply Trade
We have been in the business of educating companies and trade professionals in all things trade since 1991. In that time we have helped thousands with meet their trade compliance challenges face on.
Because trade changes almost daily and not all topics could be covered in a full day of training, we created the Simply Trade podcast to continue to educate and inform the trade community about current changes, new information, or just about anything trade related.
We would like your feedback on what we are doing right or wrong to make the show better. Also, if you, or someone you know, would like to be a guest on the show, or would like to sponsor the show, or just want to suggest a topic for us to cover on the show, please reach out to us via email at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or via Twitter @SimplyTradePod.
We hope you enjoy the show and do not hesitate to reach out to us.




