Simply Trade

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

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Trade Geeks Community

Host: Andy Shiles, Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Anna Goncz
Published: June 25, 2026
Length: 33:46
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade, Andy Shiles and Lalo Solorzano welcome Anna Goncz, founder of Export Compliance Academy, for a timely discussion on how U.S. export controls can reach far beyond U.S. borders. The conversation begins with a recent export control development involving access to advanced AI models and quickly expands into a broader look at foreign national access, re-exports, embedded U.S.-origin components, and the impact on EU and other non-U.S. companies.

Anna explains why companies outside the United States cannot assume they are beyond the scope of U.S. regulations, especially when their products include U.S.-origin parts, are made with U.S. technology, or are accessed by foreign nationals. The episode also breaks down practical compliance steps using Anna’s CLEAR framework: Classification, Legislation, Evaluate, Act, and Regulate.

This is a must-listen for trade compliance, legal, IT, engineering, procurement, and executive teams trying to understand today’s fast-moving export control environment.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on the extraterritorial reach of U.S. export controls and how they can apply to EU and other foreign companies. Anna Goncz explains that U.S. export control regulations often follow the item, meaning a product manufactured outside the United States may still be subject to U.S. rules if it contains U.S.-origin components, is based on U.S. technology, or involves controlled access by foreign nationals.

The discussion covers real-world scenarios such as embedded chips, AI model access, re-export licensing, entity list risks, and the importance of coordinating across legal, compliance, IT, HR, engineering, and supplier teams.

Anna’s CLEAR Framework
C – Classification
L – Legislation
E – Evaluate
A – Act
R – Regulate

Anna emphasizes that classification is the starting point for every export control analysis. Without knowing what an item is and whether it is controlled, companies cannot properly determine licensing requirements, restrictions, or risk.

Key Takeaways
• U.S. export controls can apply to non-U.S. companies when products include U.S.-origin parts, software, or technology.

• Foreign national access to controlled technology, even inside the United States, may be treated as an export.

• EU companies may need both a local export license and a U.S. re-export license depending on the item, destination, customer, and technology involved.

• Export compliance requires collaboration between compliance, legal, IT, HR, engineering, procurement, and executive leadership.

• Classification is not the same as customs classification and should involve technical experts who understand the product’s performance and specifications.

• Companies should conduct risk assessments, review customer and supplier relationships, document decisions, and stay agile as regulations change quickly.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Export Compliance Academy
• Bureau of Industry and Security

Credits
Host:
Andy Shiles – LinkedIn
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Anna Goncz – LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Denise
Published: June 23, 2026
Length: 19:24
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Trade compliance manuals and SOPs may not be the flashiest part of an import/export program, but they are among the most important. In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Lalo Solorzano sits down with Global Training Center instructor Denise to discuss why written procedures are essential for keeping trade compliance consistent, repeatable, and scalable.

Denise explains that compliance does not live only in the compliance department. It touches purchasing, shipping, customs entries, finance, recordkeeping, screening, escalation, training, and more. When those processes are not documented, companies rely too heavily on memory, tribal knowledge, and “the way we’ve always done it.” That creates risk when employees leave, roles change, products expand, or regulations shift.

This episode breaks down the difference between a compliance manual and an SOP, what each should include, and where companies should start if they do not already have a formal program in place. The key message: SOPs are not just paperwork. They are the operating system that helps a trade compliance program run with control, clarity, and confidence.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on how companies can build stronger trade compliance programs by documenting their processes through compliance manuals and standard operating procedures.

Denise explains that a compliance manual is the big-picture document. It outlines the company’s overall approach to trade compliance, identifies responsibilities, explains key risks, and describes how import and export issues are handled. SOPs, on the other hand, are the step-by-step instructions for specific tasks such as product classification, restricted party screening, export reviews, import entry audits, recordkeeping, escalation, and corrective actions.

The conversation emphasizes that SOPs should be practical, clear, and specific enough for a new employee or backup team member to follow without guessing. The episode also highlights why the people doing the day-to-day work should be involved in creating these procedures, since real-world input makes the documentation usable rather than theoretical.

Key Takeaways
• Trade compliance touches many departments, not just the compliance team.
• Undocumented processes create weak points, especially when employees leave or roles change.
• A compliance manual provides the big-picture map of the company’s trade compliance program.
• SOPs provide the detailed step-by-step directions for specific compliance tasks.
• Companies should start by documenting their highest-risk areas first, such as classification, screening, licensing, recordkeeping, entry reviews, and audits.
• SOPs should include ownership, triggers, steps, required records, exception handling, escalation paths, systems, references, and revision history.
• Written procedures make training easier, audits smoother, and compliance more consistent.
• Strong documentation helps leadership see where risks exist and gives the program room to scale.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Import Compliance Training
• Export Compliance Training
• Trade Compliance Seminars

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Denise Smalls Altagracia – LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Cindy Allen
Published: June 19, 2026
Length: ~15 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
In this week’s episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen explores the growing complexity facing importers, customs brokers, and compliance professionals as trade policy continues to evolve at a rapid pace. From new developments involving the EU tariff agreement and ongoing Section 301 litigation to uncertainty surrounding the administration’s customs enforcement Executive Order and the future of USMCA, the trade community is being asked to navigate an increasingly complicated environment.

Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Labyrinth, Cindy focuses on a theme many trade professionals can relate to: finding a way through complexity when the path forward is anything but straightforward. What was once a relatively predictable customs process has become a maze of overlapping tariff programs, country-specific rules, component-level reporting requirements, trade remedies, and constantly evolving compliance obligations.

The episode serves as both a trade update and a reminder that while the complexity may feel overwhelming, the trade community continues to adapt, innovate, and move forward.

This Week in Trade
• The European Union approved implementation of the Turnberry Tariff Deal, helping prevent additional tariff escalation between the U.S. and EU.

• The Supreme Court declined to hear challenges involving Section 301 Lists 3 and 4 tariffs, leaving those tariffs in place.

• President Trump threatened potential 100% tariffs on French wine and champagne related to France’s digital services tax.

• Questions continue surrounding implementation of the Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement, with few details yet available from CBP or other agencies.

• USMCA negotiations remain ongoing, with expectations that negotiations will continue beyond the current deadline.

• The Commercial Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) is scheduled to meet July 15 as industry engagement continues.

Main Topic / Discussion
The central focus of this episode is the increasing complexity of global trade compliance.

Cindy walks through how trade professionals are now managing multiple overlapping tariff programs simultaneously. What once required understanding product classification, valuation, country of origin, and free trade agreements has evolved into a system layered with Section 301 actions, Section 122 duties, Section 232 tariffs, country-specific exceptions, company-specific provisions, component-level reporting requirements, and detailed U.S.-content calculations.

This complexity extends beyond importers. Customs brokers must understand not only which tariffs apply, but also the correct order of application, reporting requirements, ACE programming impacts, and evolving CBP guidance. Meanwhile, importers are being asked to collect and maintain supply chain information at a level of detail that many organizations have never previously required.

Drawing on the theme of Labyrinth, Cindy compares today’s trade environment to navigating a maze where everyone—from CBP to brokers to importers—is trying to find the correct path through an increasingly complicated regulatory landscape.

Key Takeaways
• The EU tariff agreement provides some stability for transatlantic trade.

• Section 301 tariffs continue to withstand legal challenges.

• Significant uncertainty remains around implementation of the Customs Enforcement Executive Order.

• USMCA negotiations are unlikely to conclude by the current deadline.

• Trade compliance requirements are becoming increasingly detailed and data-driven.

• Importers, brokers, software providers, and CBP are all adapting to unprecedented levels of complexity.

• The ability to manage complexity may become one of the most important competitive advantages in international trade.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• Trade Force Multiplier

• Commercial Operations Advisory Committee

• USMCA

Credits
Host:
• Cindy Allen – LinkedIn

Producer:
• Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Kristy Guo
Published: June 18, 2026
Length: ~35 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
In this episode of the Simply Trade Podcast, Lalo Solorzano sits down with Kristy Guo, founder of Signature Global Network and author of The Logistics Legends book series, to explore the human stories behind logistics, supply chain, and global trade. Kristy shares why she believes logistics professionals are often invisible heroes—and why their stories deserve to be told.

The conversation highlights The Logistics Legends, Volume 3, including stories of perseverance, mentorship, leadership, faith, and reinvention from professionals across the industry. Kristy also opens up about her own extraordinary journey, from being born as a second child during China’s one-child policy to becoming a global business leader, speaker, author, and mentor.

At the heart of the episode is Kristy’s message of interdependence: no one succeeds alone. Through stories of humble beginnings, setbacks, and breakthrough moments, this conversation reminds listeners that resilience is powerful—but connection, mentorship, and shared purpose are what help people keep going.

 

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on the stories behind The Logistics Legends, Volume 3, a book that celebrates professionals in logistics, trade, supply chain, and related industries. Kristy Guo explains why she created the series, what she learned from interviewing and guiding the featured contributors, and why personal stories can inspire people far beyond the logistics world.

The discussion covers themes including resilience, mentorship, leadership during crisis, overcoming bias, and the importance of building a life and career through interdependence rather than isolation.

Key Takeaways
• Logistics professionals are often behind the scenes, but their work keeps the world moving.

• Many successful leaders started from humble beginnings and built their careers through resilience, persistence, and support from others.

• Mentorship can save time, prevent costly mistakes, and help people see possibilities they may not see on their own.

• Kristy’s central message is that people are interconnected, and true success comes through interdependence, trust, and shared purpose.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• The Logistics Legends, Volume 3
• Signature Global Network
• TEDx talk by Kristy Guo
• Frank Desiderio

 

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Kristy Guo – LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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💬 Connect with us:

• Simply Trade
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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