Simply Trade

Host: Cindy Allen
Show: Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version
Published: January 30, 2026
Length: ~13 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Exile: Is the U.S. Being Traded Around?

In this week’s Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, unpacks one of the busiest weeks we’ve seen in international trade—and frames it all through the lens of Taylor Swift’s song “Exile.” From fresh tariff threats to shifting alliances and possible government shutdowns, Cindy explains why it’s starting to feel like the United States is watching global trade move on without us.​

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

New U.S. tariff threats tied to Cuban oil

Announcement of tariffs on countries that sell or buy oil from Cuba and why this may largely hit usual suspects like Venezuela and Russia.​

Trade partners going “around” the U.S.

How the UK’s outreach to China and Canada’s new deal with China signal a trend of countries pursuing their own economic interests directly with Beijing.​

Canada under pressure—again

Trump’s 100% tariff threat on Canadian goods over the China deal and the newer threat to decertify Canadian-made jets until Gulfstream aircraft are certified in Canada—and why both moves raise legal and practical questions.​

Shifting tariff landscapes

Guatemala and El Salvador trade deals and expected rate ranges.

Possible hike back to 25% on South Korean goods if their trade deal isn’t approved.

Potential rollback of the 25% tariff on India tied to Russian oil purchases.​

232 duties and a big valuation court fight

Why CBP centers are informally pushing an “all-in” cost model (materials, labor, manufacturing) for steel, aluminum, and now copper derivatives—and how that conflicts with the 232 declaration language.

The new Court of International Trade case challenging that interpretation and what it could mean for importers paying 232 on components.

Why many companies are considering filing protests now to preserve their rights pending the outcome—and why you need to talk to your own counsel.​

ACE refunds are coming—ready or not

Electronic refunds are set to go live February 6.

What importers need to do with their brokers and 4811 setup, and why brokers must confirm their own information is on file in ACE.

The big question: what happens to refunds if the setup is incomplete?​

EU deal on pause

Why the EU is putting its U.S. deal “on hold” and how that could trigger a return to higher tariffs if the U.S. responds like it has with South Korea.​

Hill updates: express couriers and DHS funding

A new bill proposal for simplified declarations on express shipments under 600 dollars, and what it could mean if you use or compete with express couriers.

The looming DHS/CBP funding issue, the likelihood of a shutdown, and what a shutdown typically means for cargo processing versus outreach and meetings.​

Why “Exile”?
Cindy connects the week’s news to “Exile,” focusing on the line, “You were my town, now I’m in exile seeing you out.” She explores how U.S. policy is driven by a belief that the country has been taken advantage of and needs to re-shore manufacturing and secure critical sectors, while much of the world sees it as a pullback from free trade and trade facilitation that once underpinned global stability.​

By contrasting these two perspectives—like the two voices in the song—Cindy argues the U.S. risks finding itself “in exile” as trade partners build new frameworks around us, and warns that we’ve “seen this film before” in history with outcomes that weren’t ideal.​

Key Takeaways:

Expect more volatility in tariffs and trade relationships as the U.S. pushes assertive trade tools and partners seek alternative paths.​

Importers dealing with 232 duties on steel, aluminum, and copper inputs should closely watch the new court case and coordinate with counsel on protest strategy.​

ACE electronic refunds are an opportunity and a risk—data and 4811 setups must be right to avoid missing money you’re owed.​

Even in a shutdown, cargo should keep moving, but engagement with CBP and DHS will be limited.​

Strategically, the U.S. may be drifting into a kind of trade “exile”—and it’s critical for companies to understand both the domestic narrative and how the rest of the world is reacting.

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Presented by: Global Training Center​

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​

Hosts:

Andy Shiles

Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):

Jack Moberger, Co-Founder, DocUnlock

Ned Cartmell, Co-Founder, DocUnlock

Sepehr Farzaneh, Co-Founder, DocUnlock

Published: January 2026
Length: ~40 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade, Andy and Lalo sit down with the founders of DocUnlock to explore one of the most painful realities in global trade: document chaos.

From commercial invoices and packing lists to certificates, statements, and agency-specific requirements, trade compliance still lives in PDFs, emails, spreadsheets, and inboxes. Jack, Ned, and Sepehr break down how DocUnlock is using AI to extract, structure, validate, and operationalize trade documents — turning static paperwork into usable compliance data.

The conversation dives into real-world brokerage and importer pain points, why “document accuracy” is no longer enough, and how automation is shifting expectations across customs, PGAs, and supply chain partners. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dealing with high-volume imports, broker workflows, or compliance teams stretched thin.

Key Takeaways

Trade compliance is still dominated by unstructured documents — and that’s the bottleneck.

AI can extract and normalize data without replacing trade expertise.

Document automation reduces risk, speeds releases, and improves audit readiness.

Brokers and importers benefit differently — but both win when documents are usable data.

The future of compliance isn’t fewer documents — it’s smarter ones.

What DocUnlock Is Solving

Commercial invoices & packing lists

Certificates & trade declarations

Broker-importer document handoffs

Audit readiness & data traceability

Scaling compliance without scaling headcount

Resources & Mentions

DocUnlock – AI-powered trade document automation
👉 https://www.docunlock.com

Jack Moberger, Co-Founder, DocUnlock
👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmoberger/

Ned Cartmell, Co-Founder, DocUnlock
👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-cartmell-91179711/

Sepehr Farzaneh, Co-Founder, DocUnlock
👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sepehr-f/

Global Training Center – Trade & compliance education
👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/

Credits
Hosts:

Andy Shiles – https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/

Lalo Solorzano – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmoberger/

Ned Cartmell (DocUnlock) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-cartmell-91179711/

Sepehr Farzaneh (DocUnlock) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sepehr-f/

Produced by:

Global Training Center – https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/

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Episode Title: Trade & Tech Series: Using Technology to Unlock Duty Mitigators
Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks (Hammer & Heels)
Published Date: January 27, 2026
Episode Length: ~11 minutes
Series: Trade & Tech

🔍 Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee and Julie dive into duty mitigators and how technology is transforming the way trade professionals manage voluntary customs programs. From drawback and foreign trade zones to Chapter 98 provisions and free trade agreements, the conversation focuses on how tech-enabled subprocesses can reduce risk, improve compliance, and make mitigator programs operationally feasible.

The key takeaway? Mitigators aren’t just about duty savings — they’re about building smart, data-driven compliance strategies that align labor, systems, and business objectives.

📌 Key Topics Covered

What duty mitigators really are — and why they’re often misunderstood

The role of voluntary programs in customs compliance

How technology supports complex mitigators like:

Drawback programs

Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs)

Chapter 98 provisions (including TIBs and returns)

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

First Sale for Export

Why accurate HTS classification is a mitigator in itself

How tech helps create stronger business cases for mitigator programs

In-house vs. outsourced compliance — and why tech matters in both

💡 Key Takeaways

Mitigators require structured subprocesses — technology makes them scalable

Tech connects core business systems so import and export data work together

Good data in = good data out (and bad data creates risk fast)

Mitigators shouldn’t be dismissed due to overhead — tech changes the math

Asking vendors how they leverage technology can impact pricing and value

🛠️ This Week’s FIO (Figure It Out)
Pick one mitigator and analyze it using your own data.

Review your ACE data or internal trade data

Identify one potential mitigator (drawback, FTZ, TIB, FTA, etc.)

Determine if your import and export activity supports it

Assess whether technology could make it viable and compliant

Remember: not all mitigators apply to all duties — understanding eligibility is key.

🌐 Join the Conversation
Be part of the discussion inside the Trade Geeks Community and let us know how your FIO analysis goes. We’ll be sharing episodes, insights, and real-world trade conversations there.

👉 Trade Geeks Community: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/

🎤 Credits
Hosts:

Renee Chiuchiarelli

Julie Parks

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

🎧 Subscribe & Follow
New Simply Trade Tips episodes every Tuesday.

Presented by:
Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals.

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Host: Annik Sobing
Guest: Jordan Welke
Published: January 26, 2026
Length: ~30 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

ACE Up Your Trade Game: Modernizing Family Logistics

This week on Simply Trade, host Annik Sobing chats with Jordan Welke, next-generation leader of Welke Customs Brokers & International Freight Forwarders, about evolving a family-owned logistics firm in a changing trade landscape. From rented desks symbolizing rapid 2025 growth to blending old-school service with cutting-edge tech, Jordan shares how Welke transformed challenges into expansion. Whether you're scaling a brokerage, managing hybrid teams, or navigating tariffs, this episode reveals strategies for staying nimble, compliant, and people-focused amid industry shifts.​

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Origins of Welke: Founded in 1985 from a basement brokerage to North America's magazine specialist

2025 breakout: Two new U.S. offices, 10 hires, NV OCC licensing for freight forwarding

Hybrid culture: Three office days, flying teams for unity despite remote options

Tech-service blend: Automating data entry to free staff for concierge client care

Growth drivers: Capturing clients from acquired competitors, handling supply chain chaos

Branding edge: Fun website vibes (shipping container dreams) driving inbound leads

Leadership scaling: Empower divisional managers while communicating 5-year vision company-wide

Adapting to pitfalls: Nimble mindset, owning mistakes, constant education like CVSA exams

Future-proofing: Compliance tech, agency feeds, and hiring hustlers for U.S. sales​

Tips for Getting Started:

Honor roots: Pair personalized service with AI for mundane tasks—keep humans on exceptions.

Build online presence: SEO-optimize with personality to stand out in searches.

Scale smart: Hire/promote leaders per office, share vision to preserve "mom-and-pop" feel.

Stay adaptable: Embrace failure as learning; invest in team training amid tariffs/strikes.

Respond fast: Answer crisis calls instantly—turn disruptions into loyalty wins.​

Key Takeaways:
Welke proves family businesses thrive by modernizing without losing heart—40 profitable years into 2026 growth. Tech enhances, doesn't replace, expert people in complex trade. Nimbleness, culture, and quick service capture market share as boomers retire and chaos rises. Data-driven branding and automation build credibility for enterprise plays.​

Resources & Mentions:

Jordan Welke: Connect on LinkedIn (search Welke Customs Brokers)

Welke Customs Brokers: www.welke.com — Customs brokerage, freight forwarding, 3PL across North America

Hiring: U.S. freight/customs sales roles open—DM Jordan for culture-fit hustlers

Industry context: Tariffs, CARM, supply disruptions boosting demand for agile partners​

Credits
Host: Annik Sobing
Guest: Jordan Welk

Producer: Annik Sobing 

 

 

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👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com

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Rate, review, share with your trade geeks!
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@SimplyTradePod

Host: Cindy Allen
Published: Friday, January 23, 2026
Segment: Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version (song: “The Moment I Knew”)

In this episode of Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen uses Taylor Swift’s “The Moment I Knew” to frame a sobering realization: the rest of the world is increasingly moving on with trade—without the United States at the center. She opens with concrete developments, including Canada and China finalizing a trade agreement as China becomes Canada’s number one trade partner, and a large EU delegation touring Asia (China, Vietnam, and others) to explore a broad EU–Asia trade bloc arrangement.​

On the policy front, Cindy notes the administration has walked back its threat to impose tariffs on NATO countries that opposed a U.S. move to “buy” Greenland, easing immediate sovereignty‑driven tension. But legislative activity is heating up: Senator Cassidy’s customs bill, a proposed import licensing regime (including possible restrictions on non‑resident importers) that could morph from “trusted trader” incentives into a broad tariff scheme, and a new proposal to apply a 20% flat rate on express courier imports, mirroring the postal model and positioned as a de minimis replacement. She explains how the elimination of de minimis has already hit express integrators hard—FedEx alone reported a one‑billion‑dollar “headwind,” with average de minimis values around 25 dollars now requiring full entries on vast volumes of low‑value packages.​

Cindy also touches on potential one‑year extensions of AGOA and the Haiti Help Act, still being tracked through budget legislation, and confirms the IEPA Supreme Court decision did not appear before the Court went out of session, pushing any announcement into mid‑to‑late February at the earliest. She warns that the longer the delay, the more likely a significantly drawn‑out process for any eventual tariff relief, even if importers prevail. Meanwhile, CBP continues ramping up 28s and enforcement on steel and aluminum 232s, with early, non‑binding indications from the Base Metals Center that raise new questions about how to back out raw material costs and properly calculate dutiable value—prompting AAEI to form a working group to engage CBP.​

The emotional core of the episode comes from Davos, where Cindy sees “the moment” the global system recognized a fundamental break: the U.S. arrived with a strong America‑First message that was audibly booed by attendees, while other leaders—especially Canada’s prime minister—signaled a deep sense of betrayal and a hard pivot toward building trade agreements around, rather than through, Washington. For Cindy, this is the moment the world “knew” the old gravitational pull of U.S. trade leadership may not return even after this administration or the next election cycle: global trade volumes and cooperation remain strong, but the center of gravity is shifting as partners organize new paths forward.​

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Key new developments: Canada–China agreement, EU–Asia trade bloc talks, and the rollback of threatened NATO tariffs over Greenland.​

How proposed U.S. import licensing, non‑resident importer limits, and a 20% courier flat rate could reshape tariff burdens and de minimis workarounds.​

Why express couriers have been hit so hard by de minimis elimination, and what a flat‑rate model might change.​

The latest on IEPA Supreme Court timing, 232 steel/aluminum enforcement, and AAEI’s efforts to clarify valuation expectations.​

Why Davos 2026 may mark the “moment the world knew” U.S. trade leadership has fundamentally changed—and what that means for future agreements.​

Key Takeaways

Traditional allies are actively deepening trade with China and Asia, signaling a more multipolar trade system.​

U.S. legislative proposals could push more cost and complexity onto importers and express carriers, even as they seek new facilitation models.​

IEPA relief, if it comes, will likely be slow and process‑heavy; companies should not bank on quick cash refunds.​

Global forums like Davos are now openly questioning U.S. reliability as a trade partner, accelerating moves to diversify away from U.S. gravity.

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Presented by: Global Training Center​

Listen & Subscribe

Simply Trade main page: https://simplytrade.podbean.com​

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690​

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Connect with Simply Trade

Podcast page: https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/simply-trade-podcast​

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod​

Join the Trade Geeks Community

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