Simply Trade

Host: Cindy Allen
Published: September 4, 2026
Length: 21 min.
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
CBP wants to know you better—and Cindy Allen is breaking down what that could mean for the future of import compliance.

In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy uses Taylor Swift’s “Everything Has Changed” as the backdrop for a major new CBP proposal: Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Visibility. Unlike a typical proposed rule, CBP is asking the trade community 64 questions covering foreign export documentation, manufacturer identification, the Global Business Identifier (GBI), supply chain tracing technology, CTPAT, and the economic impact of providing greater visibility.

But that’s not all that changed this week.

Cindy also examines shifting tariff politics ahead of the midterms, a potential 10-year AGOA renewal, Section 232 developments involving chips and unmanned aerial aircraft, tariff stacking issues affecting CAPE refunds, and new copper smelt-and-cast origin requirements.

The takeaway: CBP is signaling a desire to see much further into the supply chain—and importers should pay close attention to what these 64 questions may reveal about future compliance expectations.

This Week in Trade
• Shifting tariff positions on Capitol Hill and a potential 10-year renewal of AGOA

• Potential expansion of Section 232 tariffs on chips and semiconductors

• CBP guidance on unmanned aerial aircraft, tariff stacking, and CAPE refund issues

• New copper smelt-and-cast origin requirements for imported goods

• CBP’s proposed Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Visibility

Main Topic / Discussion
The centerpiece of this episode is CBP’s proposed Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Visibility.

Cindy walks through the proposal’s 64 questions and explains why their unusual format matters. Rather than simply announcing how new requirements will be implemented, CBP is actively asking the trade community how expanded supply chain visibility could work, who should provide the information, and how requirements might differ by entry type, commodity, country of origin, transportation mode, company size, or CTPAT participation.

One major area involves foreign export documentation. CBP is exploring whether importers should provide documentation filed with foreign governments and how differences in valuation, classification, and other information between export and U.S. import filings should be handled. Cindy sees this as another indication of CBP’s longstanding desire to push visibility beyond the U.S. border and further back toward the origin of the goods.

The proposal also examines manufacturer identification and the Global Business Identifier. Cindy explains how GBI has evolved beyond simply identifying companies and could provide CBP with much deeper information about suppliers, products, manufacturing capabilities, production processes, value, classification, and potentially components throughout the supply chain.

CBP is also asking about AI and other supply chain tracing technologies, whether importers should be responsible for providing those tools, what they cost, and whether expanded visibility could become part of CTPAT requirements or benefits.

For importers and customs brokers, the questions provide an important clue about where customs compliance may be headed: more information, greater upstream visibility, and potentially more responsibility for understanding the supply chain all the way back to the source.

Key Takeaways
• CBP’s 64 questions could provide an early indication of future import reporting and supply chain visibility requirements.

• Importers may need greater access to foreign export documentation and the ability to reconcile that information with U.S. import declarations.

• GBI and other initiatives could push compliance beyond identifying suppliers toward product, manufacturing, production, and component-level information.

• AI and supply chain tracing technology may play a larger role in demonstrating visibility and compliance to CBP.

• CTPAT participants could potentially face additional visibility requirements while receiving new benefits for making those investments.

• Trade associations provide an important avenue for companies to participate in the comment process and help shape how future requirements are implemented.

Resources & Mentions
• Cindy Allen

Guest(s):
N/A

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles
Guest(s): David Smason
Published: September 3, 2026
Length: Approx. 35 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing global trade—but what happens when the technology is placed directly in the hands of customs and border agencies?

In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles sit down with David Smason, co-founder of CargoSeer, whose technology was recently acquired by BigBear.ai, to explore how AI is being used to modernize cargo inspections, customs enforcement, and border operations.

David explains how CargoSeer began with a focused challenge: helping operators analyze cargo X-ray images faster and more effectively. That concept evolved into an AI-powered decision-support platform capable of bringing together imaging, trade documentation, supply-chain information, and other data to help frontline operators identify higher-risk shipments and make better-informed decisions.

The conversation explores reducing cargo release times, automating the analysis of empty containers, improving revenue collection, identifying counterfeit goods, and creating greater consistency across ports and inspection teams.

They also discuss an important principle behind successful government AI adoption: technology needs to support the operator rather than force the operator to adapt to the technology.

For trade professionals, this episode offers a fascinating look at the other side of the compliance equation—and how increasingly sophisticated technology could reshape customs enforcement around the world.

Main Topic / Discussion
AI is moving beyond private-sector trade compliance tools and into customs and border operations.

David explains how CargoSeer developed AI technology around the workflows of frontline operators. Rather than creating technology first and searching for applications afterward, the company studied how operators actually inspect cargo and make decisions, then built technology designed to augment those processes.

The result is an approach that can combine cargo imaging with trade, documentation, supply-chain, and other available data to help agencies prioritize higher-risk shipments while accelerating the review of lower-risk cargo.

One example discussed is empty-container inspection. David explains that operators can traditionally spend several minutes adjudicating an empty container. CargoSeer's AI was designed to analyze these scenarios in seconds, allowing operators to focus more attention on shipments requiring human expertise.

The conversation also examines how AI can improve consistency. Experienced customs officers often develop instincts after decades on the job. AI creates an opportunity to capture patterns from effective inspection methodologies and apply them more broadly across an agency.

David also discusses CargoSeer's work in El Salvador and how highly customizable AI can help customs administrations address their specific enforcement, revenue, and operational objectives.

Looking ahead, David sees AI supporting a new generation of customs systems in which information from multiple agencies and sources can be analyzed in the background while operators receive the specific information they need to make a decision.

Key Takeaways
• AI can help customs agencies prioritize higher-risk cargo instead of relying heavily on randomized inspections.

• Combining cargo imaging with trade documentation, supply-chain data, and other information can give operators a more complete picture of each shipment.

• Automating straightforward inspection scenarios—such as identifying legitimate empty containers—can free officers to spend more time on higher-value enforcement activities.

• AI could help customs administrations capture the knowledge of experienced operators and apply successful inspection methodologies more consistently across ports, modes, and teams.

• Better targeting doesn't necessarily mean inspecting more cargo; it can mean making the cargo selected for inspection more relevant to an agency's enforcement objectives.

• Customs AI must be customizable because air, ocean, land, and express environments have different operational requirements.

• Successful government technology adoption depends heavily on designing systems around frontline operators and their existing workflows.

• Greater predictability in enforcement can benefit compliant importers by creating clearer expectations while increasing the likelihood that noncompliant shipments receive additional scrutiny.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• BigBear.ai

• David Smason - LinkedIn

• BigBear.ai - CargoSeer Acquisition Announcement

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano
Andy Shiles

Guest(s):
David Smason - LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Lalo Solorzano & Cindy Allen
Guest(s): Will Fediw, Virginia Maritime Association
Published: September 2, 2026
Length: Approx. 29 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Trade associations can be much more than networking groups—they can become an extension of your team, a source of industry intelligence, and a powerful collective voice when policy decisions affect your business.

In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Cindy Allen sit down with Will Fediw of the Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) to explore the real business value of getting involved in an industry association. Will shares examples of how companies of all sizes have used association membership to uncover funding and incentive opportunities, make valuable business connections, strengthen advocacy efforts, and gain access to expertise they may not have internally.

The conversation also highlights the close relationship between international trade and the maritime industry. From tariffs and regulatory changes to ports, trucking, rail, warehousing, importers, and exporters, the entire supply chain is interconnected.

Finally, the group previews VMA26: International Trade Symposium, taking place October 13–15, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia, where maritime, logistics, supply chain, and trade professionals will come together for education, strategic conversations, and networking.

Simply Trade listeners can use promo code VMA26Trade for $100 off registration.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode explores why active participation in trade and industry associations can create measurable value for businesses.

Will explains how the Virginia Maritime Association connects companies across the maritime supply chain—from ocean carriers and terminals to trucking, rail, warehousing, manufacturers, importers, exporters, and professional service providers.

The conversation focuses on three major benefits of association involvement: access to information and resources, business-to-business connections, and collective advocacy.

Will also explains why advocacy is especially valuable for small and midsize companies that may not have dedicated government affairs teams or in-house resources. At the same time, even major corporations can benefit from having an established association represent broader industry interests before policymakers.

Lalo, Cindy, and Will also discuss the importance of educating elected officials about how trade and maritime policy affects businesses, jobs, cargo movement, and communities throughout the supply chain.

The episode concludes with a preview of VMA26: International Trade Symposium, October 13–15, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Simply Trade Listener Offer: Use promo code VMA26Trade for $100 off registration.

Key Takeaways
• Trade associations can provide expertise, connections, education, and resources that companies may not have available internally.

• Association membership can create real business opportunities by connecting members with potential customers, partners, programs, grants, and industry resources.

• Collective advocacy gives businesses—especially smaller companies—a stronger voice with legislators and government agencies without requiring their own full-time government affairs operation.

• Maritime transportation and international trade are inseparable. Changes involving tariffs, regulation, cargo flows, ports, carriers, and supply chains ultimately affect businesses across the entire trade ecosystem.

• Effective advocacy requires more than access to policymakers. Industry professionals can serve as subject matter experts who help elected officials understand the real-world consequences of proposed policies.

• VMA26 brings maritime, shipping, logistics, supply chain, government, and trade professionals together for education, peer-to-peer discussion, and networking.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• Virginia Maritime Association

• VMA26: International Trade Symposium

• VMA26 Simply Trade Listener Discount: Use code VMA26Trade for $100 off registration

• VMA26 Dates: October 13–15, 2026 | Norfolk, Virginia

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano
Cindy Allen

Guest(s):
Will Fediw - LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Cindy De Leon and Guillermo De Leon
Published: August 31, 2026
Length: Approximately 25 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
The Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance Conference (ATCC) is back for 2027—and if past years are any indication, waiting to register could mean missing out.

In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano welcomes Cindy De Leon and Guillermo De Leon to preview the 2027 ATCC, taking place February 3–5 in Houston. They explain what makes ATCC different from a typical trade conference: advanced education designed specifically for experienced importers, exporters, and customs brokerage professionals, paired with access to seasoned practitioners and true peer-to-peer networking.

Cindy previews two optional masterclass-style workshops covering Foreign-Trade Zones and human-verified customs audits, including why technology and AI can help identify compliance risks but shouldn't replace experienced human judgment. The conversation also explores ATCC's selective approach to speakers and sponsors, the value of keeping industry experts engaged throughout the conference, and several new additions for 2027.

Plus, hear what's planned for the Thursday-night “Unmasking Innovation” celebration—and why attendees should register and reserve their hotel rooms early.

Main Topic / Discussion
The 2027 Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance Conference is designed for experienced trade professionals looking to move beyond introductory customs and compliance education.

The general conference begins Wednesday, February 3, 2027 at 1:00 p.m. and concludes Friday, February 5 at 1:00 p.m. in Houston. Optional intensive workshops begin Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m., while a new Connections Reception on Tuesday evening will give first-time attendees, sponsors, and speakers another opportunity to meet before the main conference begins.

Two optional workshops take center stage this year. “Zone Mastery” will explore today's Foreign-Trade Zone environment, including tariff policy, compliance risks, and potential savings. A second audit-focused masterclass will examine how data analytics and ACE data can identify risk while emphasizing the importance of human-verified auditing.

Cindy stresses that automated flags and algorithms can identify potential problems, but they don't automatically equal compliance findings. Experienced professionals still need to interpret the data, conduct meaningful audits, and understand the circumstances behind the numbers.

ATCC also emphasizes “power networking.” Speakers and sponsors are expected to actively engage with attendees rather than simply appear for a presentation or exhibit.

The 2027 conference will culminate in an elegant masquerade-inspired “Unmasking Innovation” celebration, followed by an after-party featuring Chicago's DJ Victor R.

Registration is limited to 600 attendees, and the previous conference filled before early-bird registration ended.

Key Takeaways
• ATCC 2027 runs February 3–5, 2027 in Houston, with optional workshops beginning Wednesday morning and a new Connections Reception on Tuesday evening.

• The conference is intentionally advanced, targeting experienced importers, exporters, and customs brokerage professionals rather than providing introductory-level trade education.

• The 2027 workshops will dive deeply into Foreign-Trade Zones and human-verified customs audits, including the use—and limitations—of AI and automated data analysis in compliance.

• Registration is capped at 600 attendees, and previous ATCC events have reached capacity early, making early registration and hotel reservations especially important.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance Conference (ATCC)

• Cindy De Leon - LinkedIn

• Guillermo De Leon - LinkedIn

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):
Cindy De Leon - LinkedIn

Guillermo De Leon - LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Cindy Allen
Published: August 28, 2026
Length: Not provided
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
There’s “Bad Blood” in North American trade—and Cindy Allen is breaking down why.

In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy uses Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” as the backdrop for a packed international trade update. At the center is the escalating U.S.-Canada trade dispute, including U.S. Section 338 duties and Canada’s planned dollar-for-dollar retaliation. With neither side appearing ready to back down, importers should prepare for continued uncertainty and potential legal challenges.

But tariffs are only part of the story.

Cindy examines concerns surrounding IEEPA tariff refunds and debt offsets, the potentially sweeping implications of the administration’s approach to “transshipment,” and evolving foreign importer-of-record requirements that could place new responsibilities on customs brokers.

She also explains growing questions around importer vetting, CBP Form 5106, CTPAT certification, and the elimination of the “flying trucks” practice affecting express carriers.

The takeaway: longstanding assumptions about country of origin, importer responsibilities, brokerage practices, and North American trade are being challenged at the same time.

This Week in Trade
• IEEPA tariff refunds, CAPE delays, and concerns about government debt offsets

• “The Great Transshipment Scam” and its potential impact on country-of-origin determinations

• New foreign importer-of-record, CTPAT, customs broker, and importer-vetting requirements

• Escalating U.S.-Canada trade tensions and potential retaliation

Main Topic / Discussion
The centerpiece of this episode is the growing trade conflict between the United States and Canada.

Cindy discusses the imposition of Section 338 duties on certain Canadian goods at 50% and Canada’s planned dollar-for-dollar retaliation on U.S. products beginning September 8. She explains why the dispute matters beyond the immediate tariffs: it comes amid broader negotiations over the future of USMCA and alongside other policy changes that could disproportionately affect Canadian companies importing into the United States.

The episode also explores a broader shift in customs enforcement. Cindy highlights the administration’s approach to transshipment and how treating foreign components as retaining their own essential character could challenge longstanding approaches to substantial transformation and country-of-origin determinations.

For importers and customs brokers, these developments could mean significantly more data, due diligence, compliance obligations, and potential liability.

Key Takeaways
• Importers receiving IEEPA duty refunds should monitor whether disputed federal or state debts are being offset against those refunds.

• The government’s evolving interpretation of transshipment could dramatically increase the component-level information importers need to obtain and report.

• Foreign importer-of-record rules could create new CTPAT requirements and increase responsibilities and potential liability for customs brokers.

• The U.S.-Canada tariff dispute may continue escalating, with additional retaliation and legal challenges possible.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• CBP Form 5106 and importer-of-record requirements

• Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)

• USMCA

• IEEPA tariff litigation and refund developments

• Section 338 duties and U.S.-Canada trade developments

Credits
Host:
Cindy Allen

Guest(s):
N/A

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

📢 Subscribe & Follow
Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.

🎧 Listen on:

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💬 Connect with us:

• Simply Trade

• Global Training Center

• 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?
SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com