Simply Trade

Host: Cindy Allen
Published: July 3, 2026
Length: ~15 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
This week on Simply Trade: Cindy's Version, Cindy Allen unpacks another busy week in international trade, covering updates on CAPE refunds, post-summary correction payments, Section 232 investigations, the future of USMCA, and a major Department of Justice settlement involving Alibaba.

Using Taylor Swift's "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" as this week's theme, Cindy explores a broader question facing the trade community: Where should responsibility begin—and where should it end?

As government enforcement expands beyond importers to brokers, online marketplaces, and other supply chain participants, the episode examines how increased accountability may reshape global trade while raising important questions about fairness, due diligence, and practical implementation.

This Week in Trade

Members of Congress urged USTR to allow the current Jones Act waiver to expire as scheduled.

The Department of Commerce launched a new Section 232 investigation involving certain coal imports.

Beginning August 5, CBP will require ACH payments for duties owed on Post-Summary Corrections.

CAPE continues expanding, including refund eligibility for qualifying reconciliation entries, while CBP reported significant processing progress.

The United States formally initiated the USMCA withdrawal process, beginning the review and renegotiation timeline.

The Department of Justice announced a $600 million settlement with Alibaba related to alleged violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Main Topic
The episode's central discussion focuses on the growing trend of expanding legal responsibility across the supply chain.

Using the Alibaba settlement as an example, Cindy explores whether online marketplaces, customs brokers, and other intermediaries are increasingly being held accountable for actions traditionally associated with manufacturers or importers. She compares this trend to recent customs enforcement initiatives that place greater expectations on brokers and service providers to identify and report potential violations.

The discussion raises an important question for trade professionals: How much responsibility can reasonably be placed on parties who facilitate commerce but may not own, manufacture, or control the products themselves?

Key Takeaways

CBP continues refining the CAPE refund process as filings increase.

ACH payments will soon become mandatory for duties owed on Post-Summary Corrections.

USMCA has officially entered its formal review and withdrawal process.

The Alibaba settlement signals expanding government expectations for e-commerce platforms.

Customs enforcement continues moving toward broader supply chain accountability.

Companies throughout the supply chain should expect increasing due diligence expectations.

Resources & Mentions

Global Training Center

Trade Force Multiplier

Alibaba

USMCA

Jones Act

Credits
Host

• Cindy Allen – LinkedIn

Producer

• Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Lalo Solorzano, Andy Shiles
Guest(s): Fausto R. Lopez Aguilar
Published: July 2, 2026
Length: 31:00
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
The USMCA review process is creating questions across North American trade circles: Is the agreement ending? Are new rules already in effect? What should companies do now?

In this episode of Simply Trade, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles sit down with Fausto R. Lopez Aguilar, Vice President of COMCE Sur and a participant in USMCA/TMEC discussions, to clarify what is really happening. Fausto explains the USMCA sunset clause, why the agreement remains in force, and what the current review process means for businesses operating in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The conversation explores the most active topics on the table, including automotive rules of origin, labor value content, steel and aluminum requirements, China-related concerns, tariffs, and the future of regional sourcing. Fausto also shares practical guidance for companies that already claim USMCA benefits and for those that previously avoided qualification because it seemed too complex.

The key message: USMCA is still alive, but companies should not be passive. Compliance reviews, origin documentation, tariff classifications, and supply chain localization are becoming more important than ever.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on the current USMCA review process and what it means for companies doing business in North America. Fausto explains that the agreement has not been terminated and that current rules remain in place. However, because the United States has chosen not to simply extend the agreement as-is, the countries are entering a period of yearly reviews that could lead to negotiated changes.

The discussion highlights the importance of certainty for investment, the role of industry associations in shaping negotiating positions, and the compliance steps companies should take now to prepare for increased scrutiny.

Key Takeaways
• USMCA remains in effect, and companies should continue operating under the current rules unless and until negotiated changes are formally implemented.

• The review process is expected to focus heavily on agriculture, automotive, and steel, with automotive rules of origin and labor value content receiving particular attention.

• Companies claiming USMCA benefits should perform internal “sanity checks” on tariff classification, origin calculations, certificates of origin, and supporting documentation.

• Businesses that previously chose not to qualify under USMCA should reconsider, especially as tariff exposure and enforcement pressure increase.

• Regional sourcing and supply chain visibility are becoming more important as companies prepare for future origin verifications and possible rule changes.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Lalo Solorzano on LinkedIn
• Andy Shiles on LinkedIn
• Fausto R. Lopez Aguilar on LinkedIn

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Andy Shiles – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Fausto R. Lopez Aguilar – LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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💬 Connect with us:

• Simply Trade
• Global Training Center
• Trade Geeks Community

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Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Denise
Published: June 30, 2026
Length: 21:23
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Trade compliance does not happen in a vacuum. In this episode, Lalo Solorzano wraps up the four-part series with Denise by exploring why cross-functional training and stronger internal partnerships are essential for smoother global trade operations. From classification and customs audits to cost forecasting and border delays, the conversation highlights how trade compliance depends on collaboration across departments that may not always realize they play a role in trade.

Denise explains why teams like engineering, finance, procurement, sourcing, logistics, and supply chain all bring critical knowledge to the table. When those teams operate in silos, companies face rushed decisions, unclear ownership, duplicated work, and avoidable compliance risk. But when they align around shared goals, define roles early, communicate clearly, and close the loop after decisions are made, trade becomes less of a roadblock and more of a strategic partner.

This episode offers practical guidance for building trust, reducing last-minute fire drills, and turning one-off requests into long-term business relationships.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on the importance of cross-functional partnerships in trade compliance. Lalo and Denise discuss how departments outside of trade compliance—such as engineering, finance, procurement, logistics, sourcing, and supply chain—directly influence trade outcomes, even when they do not see themselves as part of the trade process.

Denise breaks the process into three practical phases: before the work begins, while the work is underway, and after decisions are made. She explains how teams can align on shared goals, clarify expectations, make collaboration easier, and recognize contributions to strengthen future partnerships.

The episode also uses tariff classification during a product launch as a practical example of what can go wrong when teams do not communicate early, and what changes when companies create a structured, proactive partnership around trade decisions.

Key Takeaways
• Trade compliance is most effective when departments work as partners, not isolated teams.
• Shared goals help turn competing priorities into collaborative problem-solving.
• Clear roles and expectations reduce defensiveness, confusion, and duplicated work.
• Strong cross-functional relationships lead to fewer border issues, better cost predictability, and a stronger position with customs authorities.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Incoterms training
• CTPAT training
• Tariff classification
• Cross-functional trade compliance training

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Denise – LinkedIn

Producer:
Mara Marquez

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• Global Training Center
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Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?
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Host: Warrington Ellacott
Guest(s): Yannick Trudel
Published: June 29, 2026
Length: Approx. 21 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Canada is moving quickly on several legislative fronts that could reshape how importers, exporters, manufacturers, and distributors manage trade compliance. In this episode, Warrington Ellacott is joined by Yannick Trudel, Partner at McMillan LLP in Montreal, to unpack three bills recently tabled in Parliament: Bill C-35, Bill C-34, and Bill C-36.

The main focus is Bill C-35, a proposed forced labor enforcement measure that could significantly expand the Canada Border Services Agency’s powers and shift the burden of proof onto importers and owners of goods. The discussion compares Canada’s approach with the U.S. UFLPA framework and highlights why supply chain documentation, supplier certifications, tariff classification consistency, and rapid response readiness are becoming more important than ever.

The episode also touches on Canada’s emerging digital safety and consumer data privacy proposals, including how data localization and cross-border data flow rules may create new trade tensions under USMCA. For companies trading into Canada, the message is clear: review the bills, prepare documentation, and be ready for a more enforcement-driven environment.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode explores Canada’s proposed shift from forced labor reporting obligations toward stronger border enforcement. Bill C-35 would introduce a more presumptive approach to forced labor risk, potentially relying on lists of countries, regions, entities, or commodities linked to forced labor. If enacted, the bill could require importers and owners to prove that goods were not produced with forced labor.

Warrington and Yannick also discuss the broader compliance environment, including Canada’s existing S-211 forced labor reporting obligations, the role of CBSA, potential appeal limitations under the proposed bill, and what U.S. and Mexican traders should expect when doing business with Canadian partners.

The conversation closes with a look at Bills C-34 and C-36, especially the potential trade implications of consumer data protection, digital safety rules, data sovereignty, and cross-border data flows.

Key Takeaways
• Bill C-35 could shift the burden of proof from CBSA to importers and owners of goods.

• Importers may need stronger supplier documentation, certificates, and proof of supply chain due diligence.

• Canada may develop forced labor risk lists based on countries, regions, companies, or commodities.

• Consistent tariff classification and customs declarations across borders will become increasingly important.

• Proposed appeal limitations could make CBSA enforcement decisions harder to challenge.

• Bills C-34 and C-36 may create indirect trade implications for companies operating online or handling consumer data in Canada.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters

Credits
Host:
Warrington Ellacott – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Yannick Trudel – LinkedIn

Producer:
Mara Marquez

📢 Subscribe & Follow
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🎧 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

Host: Cindy Allen
Published: June 26, 2026
Length: ~15 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
This week on Simply Trade: Cindy's Version, Cindy Allen explores a week filled with meaningful developments across customs and trade—from new CAPE enhancements and changes to informal mail entries to the latest updates on Section 301, USMCA negotiations, and global supply chain strategy.

But the heart of this episode isn't about tariffs—it's about change.

Using Taylor Swift's Change as inspiration, Cindy reflects on how trade professionals can adapt and remain influential during a time when government decision-making has become increasingly centralized. She shares insights from the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) Conference and explains why relationships, industry engagement, and a unified voice have never been more important.

This Week in Trade

Reconciliation entries become eligible for the CAPE filing process beginning June 29.

CBP announced several CAPE validation improvements designed to reduce filing errors and retransmissions.

CBP finalized changes to informal mail entry procedures following the end of de minimis treatment.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that pending Section 301 investigations may ultimately replace former IEEPA tariff collections.

Lawmakers continue raising concerns over declining U.S. manufacturing employment.

USMCA review discussions continue, with another one-year extension appearing increasingly likely.

Main Topic / Discussion
While several operational updates occurred this week, Cindy focuses on something much broader: how trade professionals can continue to influence policy during a period of significant governmental change.

Drawing from conversations at the AAEI Conference and meetings on Capitol Hill, Cindy explains how the policymaking process has evolved. Traditionally, agencies worked closely with industry stakeholders before major trade decisions were implemented. Today, many decisions originate from a much smaller group within the administration, making it increasingly important for companies to strengthen relationships—not only with Congress, but also with agencies, trade associations, and government affairs professionals.

Her message is simple: don't wait until a policy affects your business. Become involved now, build your network, and ensure your industry's voice is part of the conversation before decisions are made.

Key Takeaways

CAPE continues to become more efficient through ongoing CBP enhancements.

Informal mail entry procedures continue evolving after the end of de minimis.

Section 301 investigations remain a major focus of the administration's trade agenda.

Supply chain resilience continues to shape U.S. trade policy.

USMCA negotiations are expected to continue beyond the current review period.

Trade professionals should actively participate in industry associations and government affairs efforts.

Relationships remain one of the most valuable tools in navigating today's trade environment.

Resources & Mentions

Global Training Center

Trade Force Multiplier

Cindy Allen – LinkedIn

Producer:

Mara Marquez

📢 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:

Global Training Center on LinkedIn

Trade Geeks Community