Simply Trade

• From Hay Bales to AI — How Automation Is Transforming Trade Compliance

  Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles Guests: Anand Raghavendran– KYG Trade Gagan Bhasin – VAO Published: October 2025 Presented by: Global Training Center Length: ~45 minutes Episode Summary What do hay bales, compliance teams, and artificial intelligence have in common? A lot more than you might think. In this week’s Simply Trade episode, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles reflect on the evolution of automation — from manual fieldwork to cutting-edge AI tools transforming global trade. Recorded shortly after the ICPA Fall Conference, this episode dives into two of the biggest topics dominating the industry: tariff mitigation and AI-driven efficiency. Guests Anand Raghavendran (KYG) and Gagan Bhasin (VAO) share how AI is revolutionizing classification, post-entry audits, document processing, and compliance monitoring — helping trade professionals do more with less. They also address the very real challenges of implementing AI responsibly, building organizational buy-in, and maintaining data security. This conversation blends real-world examples, humor, and strategic advice — reminding every listener that AI isn’t replacing trade professionals… but those who know how to use it will be the ones who thrive. Key Topics The evolution of automation — from hay balers to AI in trade compliance AI’s expanding role in HTS classification and post-entry audits Using AI to read, process, and reconcile import/export documentation How to build a successful implementation strategy and secure buy-in Balancing innovation with data protection and information security Why AI is a tool, not a threat — and how trade professionals can lead the charge Quotes to Remember “AI is never going to replace humans — it’s facilitating and improving the efficiency of the people behind it.” — Anand “Trade professionals are the superheroes keeping supply chains stable. They may not wear capes, but they deserve all the support they can get.” — Gagan “If you’re not learning AI, someone who is will replace you.” — Lalo Solorzano Resources & Mentions KYG Trade VAO ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security – Export Administration Regulations (EAR) Global Training Center Credits Hosts: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Guests: Anand Raghavendran – KYG Trade Gagan Bhasin – VAO Produced by: Global Training Center 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube 💬 Connect with us: Simply Trade on LinkedIn Global Training Center on LinkedIn Trade Geeks Community

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• [TIPS] — Building a Business Case: Turning Ideas into Action

  Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks Published: November 4, 2025 Length: ~10 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center 💡 Episode Summary In this episode of Simply Trade [Tips], Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) continue their Project Management Series with a deep dive into one of the most crucial steps in any successful initiative — building the business case. Whether your project is a small process improvement or a large-scale system redesign, having a clear and well-thought-out business case can make all the difference when it comes to securing buy-in and budget approval. Renee and Julie break it down into four essential components: 1️⃣ Executive Summary (BLUF — Bottom Line Up Front) – Define the project, its risks, goals, and mitigation strategies. 2️⃣ Problem Statement & Proposed Solution – Clearly identify what problem you’re solving and how your solution addresses it. 3️⃣ Cost & Benefit Analysis – Outline not just hard savings but also avoidance costs like penalties, inefficiencies, or rework avoided through compliance. 4️⃣ High-Level Project Plan – Create a realistic timeline, resource needs, and communication strategy that anticipate setbacks. From small departmental SOPs to enterprise-wide initiatives, this episode gives trade professionals the tools to articulate value and drive results. 🧠 Key Takeaways Start with the BLUF — the bottom line your leaders need to see first. Clearly define your problem statement before proposing a solution. Don’t ignore avoidance costs — they’re real savings too. Partner with Finance to quantify time, resources, and risk mitigation in monetary terms. Be realistic with your timeline and dependencies — under-promise, over-deliver. Communicate early and often with stakeholders to build support and flexibility. 🧭 FIO (Figure It Out) 👉 Action Item: Take the project you identified in Episode 1 and begin drafting your business case. Start with a rough outline (“back of the envelope” style). Identify your problem, proposed solution, and 2–3 measurable benefits. Test it with peers or stakeholders and refine before formal submission. Then, share your progress in the Trade Geeks Community! 💬 Keep the Conversation Going Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and share: What project are you building your business case for? What challenges are you facing in defining your costs and benefits? Have you tried pitching your project to leadership yet? 🎧 Credits Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli Julie Parks Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📲 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 suggest a topic? Email us at [email protected] or DM us on X/Twitter @SimplyTradePod

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• [ROUNDUP] Pharma Trade Compliance Pressures with Elizabeth Lomax

  Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Elizabeth Lomax, Trade Compliance Consultant (Pharma Specialist) Published: October 23 Length: ~25 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center In this Simply Trade News Roundup, host Annik sits down with leading trade compliance consultant Elizabeth Lomax to tackle the timely and turbulent world of the pharmaceutical supply chain. With shifting trade rules, tariff threats, and regulatory uncertainty dominating industry headlines, Elizabeth shares real-world insight into how manufacturers—especially smaller innovators—are navigating anxiety, adapting compliance processes, and preparing for possible disruption. The conversation breaks down executive orders, HTS code strategy, the impact of de minimis changes, and the crucial role of documentation. Together, they address how ongoing tariff debates, differential exemption policies, and rapid-fire policy shifts are shaping both immediate risk and long-term strategy for pharmaceutical companies of all sizes. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The state of pharma tariffs, exemptions, and compliance in 2025 “Big Pharma” vs. smaller innovators—who the rules favor, and why How executive orders and truth social posts differ from enforceable policy HTS code strategies, annex exemptions, and documentation best practices How tariffs and cash flow risks hit small businesses hardest What de minimis no longer means for the industry in practice The impact (and irony) of U.S. policy on drug pricing, shortages, and innovation Why ACE reports and robust recordkeeping are make-or-break for compliance How to model tariff scenarios and strengthen your playbook—no matter what comes next Key Takeaways “Tariff anxiety” is real—prepare processes, but don’t panic over shifting headlines Accurate classification, valuation, and country of origin are your best defense Small pharma faces unique hurdles when policy focuses on negotiation and volume Stay plugged in to new developments and keep your compliance documentation airtight Trade teams may need added resources or automation to keep pace with a volatile landscape ACE reporting, scenario modeling, and strategic partnerships can help mitigate future shocks Resources FDA Policy Updates ACE Reporting Guides Global Training Center’s Three Pillars Course Credits Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Elizabeth Lomax 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 [email protected] or DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod    

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• [Cindy’s Version] All Aboard the Crazy Train of Trade

  Host: Lalo Solorzano (filling in for Cindy Allen) Published: October 31, 2025 Length: ~15 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Crazy Train (Lalo’s Version): Trade Updates, Ozzy Osbourne Style This week’s Cindy’s Version comes with a twist — Cindy is on vacation in Cancun, so Lalo Solorzano takes over the mic and drives this week’s episode down a different track: Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne. In true Gen X fashion, Lalo blends heavy metal attitude with the week’s biggest trade updates, covering everything from Senate tariff votes and CBP’s new Section 232 duties to fresh U.S.–China developments and new trade frameworks across Southeast Asia. From tariff fatigue and AI adoption to collaboration and mentorship, this Halloween-themed episode keeps the humor high and the insights real — proving that even in global trade, we’re all riding the same crazy train. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Senate blocks two key trade measures: • Additional tariffs on Brazil • Reciprocal global tariff proposal Why lawmakers warned that reciprocal tariffs risked igniting a global trade war CBP guidance on new Section 232 duties for: • Trucks, buses, and parts (effective November 1) • Chapter 99 HTS classifications for importers Trump–Xi meeting updates: possible 10% tariff rollback on Chinese goods and renewed soybean imports New reciprocal trade frameworks with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia Highlights from the ICPA Fall Conference panel “Duty Calls” — hosted by Global Training Center and Simply Trade Key Takeaways from the ICPA Panel – Duty Calls: Tariff Fatigue & Strategy: Don’t just react to constant changes — build adaptable systems. Automation & AI: Smart use of AI for classification and drawback can improve compliance efficiency. Collaboration: Compliance can’t live in a silo — involve procurement, finance, logistics, and engineering. Mentorship & Talent: You can’t complain about the lack of talent if you’re not helping grow it. Mindset: Trade doesn’t run on policy alone — it’s driven by people with passion and purpose. Quick Recap: Congress blocks new tariffs. CBP rolls out new ones. U.S. and China hint at a handshake deal. Southeast Asia signs new reciprocal agreements. And trade experts remind us: stay calm, stay informed, and keep your systems ready. Or as Ozzy says — “It’s crazy, but that’s how it goes.” Resources & Mentions: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Federal Register – Section 232 Notices ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association U.S. Department of Commerce – Trade Updates Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn Producer: Global Training Center Special thanks to: Cindy Allen – LinkedIn Trade Force Multiplier 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!

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• [CRIMES] Export Horror Stories – When Compliance Gets Scary

  Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shales Guest: Josh Rodman, Attorney at Schulz Trade Law Published: October 29, 2025 Presented by: Global Training Center Length: 28 minutes Episode Summary In this Halloween Week special, the Simply Trade hosts dig into real-life trade horror stories that will make any exporter’s blood run cold. Attorney Josh Rodman from Schulz Trade Law joins Lalo and Andy to share two spine-chilling case studies where export compliance went sideways — despite good intentions. From ballistic helmets misclassified under the wrong ECCN to shipments to Russia caught in the tangled web of ever-changing export controls, this episode proves that in trade, even honest mistakes can summon costly consequences. Josh explains how voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs) can save a company from financial nightmares and why staying current with export regulations is critical to avoid getting haunted by unexpected investigations or penalties. This episode blends legal insight with cautionary tales — perfect for your Halloween listening lineup! Key Topics Real-world export control “horror stories” Misclassification of military equipment under ECCNs Voluntary Self-Disclosures (VSDs) and how they mitigate penalties OFAC subpoenas and overlapping U.S. government investigations Russian sanctions, HTS code–based restrictions, and transshipment red flags How exporters can protect themselves through due diligence and expert review Resources & Mentions Schulz Trade Law Export Administration Regulations (EAR) OFAC – U.S. Treasury Sanctions Programs U.S. Department of Commerce – BIS Global Training Center 🎧 Credits Hosts: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Guests: Josh Rodman - Schulz Trade Law Producer: Lalo Solorzano   📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay up to date with Simply Trade — the podcast that makes international trade easy to understand (and sometimes spooky 👻). 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Global Training Center LinkedIn Join the Trade Geeks Community

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