Simply Trade

Host: Cindy Allen
Show: Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version
Published: February 13, 2026
Length: ~15 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

State of Grace: Tariffs, First Sale Under Fire, and a Glimmer of Stability

In this episode of Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, walks through another busy week in global trade and ties it to Taylor Swift’s “State of Grace”—focusing on the idea that, despite the shock of recent policy shifts, this is still a “worthwhile fight” for trade professionals. From new trade deals to challenges against tariff policy and first sale threats, Cindy explains what’s changing and where there are signs of hope.​

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

New trade deals and tariff shifts

A U.S.–Taiwan deal capping total tariffs at 15% (either limiting MFN above 15% or applying 15% where MFN is lower).

Details emerging on agreements with Guatemala, El Salvador, Argentina, and an India deal rolling back some reciprocal tariffs tied to India’s Russian oil purchases.​

Where to find official text and specifics: USTR’s website.​

Border infrastructure and electronic bonds

The administration’s threat to block the opening of the long‑planned Gordie Howe Bridge between Detroit and Ontario over funding/ownership disputes, and why Canada and Michigan intend to proceed regardless.

How this new public crossing will compete with the privately owned Ambassador Bridge for billions in daily cross‑border trade.​

CBP’s move to mandate electronic surety bond filing for all bonds, formalizing what many brokers, importers, and sureties already do—and why Cindy strongly supports it.​

Section 232 guidance softens (slightly)

New CBP guidance on 232 tariffs for steel, aluminum, and copper, dialing back earlier aggressive interpretations.

Trade groups have received written clarification allowing certain labor/overhead costs to be prorated into steel/aluminum values instead of fully loaded, even as petitioners continue to argue that none of those costs should be included.

Why importers should review the latest guidance carefully, track affected entries, and monitor the ongoing Court of International Trade challenge.​

USMCA and IEPA signals from Capitol Hill

Senate Finance Committee signaling support for extending USMCA, seeking stability before any renegotiation, while the administration is rumored to prefer separate bilateral deals with Canada and Mexico.​

The House vote to end IEPA duties on Canada for certain non‑USMCA goods—a positive step toward predictability, though the bill still must clear the Senate and avoid a presidential veto.​

First sale under threat

Introduction of a bill to eliminate first sale, driven by some of the same groups that pushed to curtail de minimis and oppose duty‑reducing mechanisms generally.

Why this is significant: many large importers rely on first sale, provide extensive upstream data to CBP, and enable deeper supply‑chain visibility and risk management.

Trade associations have already begun weighing in to defend first sale; Cindy flags this as a fight to watch closely.​

EU deal conditions and a big auto bill

The EU moving its U.S. tariff deal through lawmakers but adding elements like sunset deadlines and “security triggers” that go beyond earlier negotiating language.​

Ford announcing an expected 900 million dollar 232‑related tariff hit after previously anticipated automotive offsets were disallowed for several months—raising questions about how other automakers will fare and whether Ford might push back through protests or litigation.​

Global trade up, U.S. trade down

Conference insights from Manifest: global trade volumes are rising overall, but trade into the U.S. is declining, as exporters pivot to other markets they perceive as less costly and less complex.

This trend aligns with a surge in trade deals worldwide that do not include the U.S.​

Why “State of Grace”?
Cindy connects the week’s developments to Taylor Swift’s “State of Grace,” highlighting the line: “I never saw you coming and I’ll never be the same. This is a state of grace, this is a worthwhile fight.” She uses this to frame:

How studies now confirm what many suspected—U.S. consumers have already paid roughly 1,000 dollars more due to tariffs, with an additional 1,300 dollars expected in the coming year.

How tariffs are hitting companies and rural communities: constrained exports for U.S. agriculture, rising small‑farm bankruptcies, and knock‑on impacts to local economies.

Research showing that about 90% of tariff costs are passed from suppliers to U.S. importers, then to consumers, and even to manufacturers who never import directly but rely on tariff‑burdened inputs.​

Despite this, she sees reasons for cautious optimism:

Companies challenging IEPA and 232 in court.

Large players like Ford publicly quantifying tariff impacts.

Congress beginning to reassert its constitutional role over tariffs and question security‑based justifications used as broad economic tools.

Early, coordinated pushback against eliminating first sale—stronger than what was seen around de minimis.​

For Cindy, these developments suggest the industry may be entering a state of grace—a moment where data, legal challenges, and coordinated advocacy start to rebalance the conversation and make the fight for smarter trade policy worth it.​

Credits
Host: Cindy Allen
Producer: Annik Sobing

Presented by: Global Training Center

Sponsor: PAX AI ​

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Connect with Simply Trade

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/simply-trade-podcast​

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

Join the Trade Geeks Community

Trade Geeks (by Global Training Center): https://globaltrainingcenter.com/trade-geeks/

Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano

Guests: Jill Roseman & Darie Achstein Conway
Episode: ST440
Length: ~42 minutes

Episode Summary
What happens when some of the sharpest minds in trade compliance gather in one room?

In this special recap episode, Andy and Lalo sit down with trade compliance leaders Jill Roseman and Darie Achstein Conway to unpack the biggest takeaways from the 2026 Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance (ATCC) Conference.

From “Trump 2.0” trade policies to stacked Section 232/301 tariffs, AI in customs enforcement, USMCA uncertainty, cartel-related compliance risk, and the explosive rise in executive-level attention to trade — this episode highlights why compliance is no longer sitting in the corner.

If you’ve ever wondered whether conferences are worth the investment… this conversation may change your mind.

Meet the Guests
Jill Roseman
A seasoned global trade compliance leader with 20+ years of experience across chemicals, pharmaceuticals (pet and human health), policy work, M&A, and global program development. Jill brings a strategic perspective on mitigation strategies, first sale for export, and executive communication in today’s trade environment.

Darie Achstein Conway
A longtime trade compliance expert with more than 30 years in manufacturing and technology, with deep expertise in exports and encryption licensing. Darie is also an instructor with Global Training Center and brings both industry wisdom and fresh insights on AI, automation, and the next generation of trade professionals.

Key Discussion Highlights
Trade War Reality: What’s Actually Happening?

Section 232 and 301 stacking

Mitigation strategies (including First Sale for Export)

How to translate trade policy into executive-level language

Why compliance teams are suddenly front and center in corporate strategy

AI Is Here — And Customs Is Already Using It

AI-driven HTS classification

Automation expectations from brokers, 3PLs, and carriers

Why companies not leveraging automation risk falling behind

The importance of verification and documentation when using AI

Executive Awareness Is Rising

Directors and VPs taking compliance training

Trade compliance now touching every business function: procurement, finance, HR, legal, IT, logistics

The importance of bringing compliance into sourcing and strategic planning conversations early

USMCA & Mexico Policy Developments

Keynote insights from former Mexican Ambassador Bárbara González

70% changes to Mexico’s constitution

Potential implications of cartel designation as terrorist organizations

What this could mean for forced labor-style scrutiny and due diligence

The Power of Conferences

Why sending multiple compliance team members matters

Splitting tracks and comparing notes

The value of networking in complex, fast-changing regulatory environments

Why one conference per year may no longer be enough

Top Takeaways

Trade compliance is now a board-level conversation.

AI is reshaping both enforcement and compliance workflows.

Mitigation strategies require constant monitoring.

Conferences aren’t optional anymore — they’re strategic investments.

Even seasoned professionals walk away humbled — and sharper.

Resources

Learn more about the Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance (ATCC) conference via Deleon Trade

Explore compliance education programs at Global Training Center

Credits
Hosts:
Andy Shiles
Lalo Solorzano

Produced by: Global Training Center

Podcast: Simply Trade

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Trade & Tech Series – Episode 4

Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks
Hammer and Heels

Length: ~12 minutes
Format: Simply Trade Tips (Trade & Tech series)

Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks dive into the evolving role of audit automation in global trade compliance — and why traditional, reactive auditing models are no longer enough.

With increased enforcement focus from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice, companies can no longer rely on trust-based assertions or post-liquidation corrections. Instead, trade compliance is shifting from passive, after-the-fact reviews to active, continuous validation powered by technology and AI.

Renee and Julie break down how automated audit controls can help companies defend tariff positions, validate origin and classification claims, and identify risk before it becomes an enforcement issue — all while freeing human auditors to focus on higher-value analysis.

Key Topics Covered

Why audit programs are now a regulatory expectation, not a “nice to have”

DOJ and CBP enforcement priorities impacting import compliance

The limits of traditional sample-based audits and post-liquidation fixes

What audit automation really means in trade compliance

Using technology to continuously validate:

Classification

Valuation

Country of origin

FTA eligibility

Trade remedy exposure

How ERP data changes can impact compliance in real time

The importance of defensibility over perfection

Why AI doesn’t replace judgment — it enhances it

Data readiness: understanding what data you actually have before deploying AI tools

Key Takeaways

Compliance today is about proof, not assertions

Regulators don’t expect zero errors — they expect reasonable, documented controls

Audit automation helps identify risk before entry finalization or liquidation

Technology enables trade teams to review more data with fewer resources

Human auditors are still critical — automation removes low-value tasks so they can focus on what matters most

Defensible audit programs protect both the company and leadership

This Episode’s FIO (Figure It Out)
Pause and kick the tires on audit automation.

Identify one provider or tool

Understand what comparisons they can run using your existing data

Evaluate what low-hanging fruit automation can remove from your auditors’ workload

Use technology to enhance — not replace — human expertise

Even testing one tool can reshape how you think about audit readiness and defensibility.

Join the Conversation
How are you auditing your trade data today?
Are you still relying on samples and spreadsheets — or moving toward continuous validation?

Join the discussion in the Trade Geeks Community and let us know how you’re approaching audit automation.

Credits
Hosts:
Renée 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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Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?
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Host: Annik Sobing
Guest: Joshua Beker
Published: February 6, 2026
Length: ~20 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

ATCC 2026: Cookies, Customs Law, and Why Trade is Suddenly Sexy

Live from Day 3 of the Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance (ATCC) Conference in Houston, Annik sits down with trade lawyer Joshua Beker from Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP Law Firm (met thanks to their irresistible local cookies). Joshua shares how he accidentally fell into trade law before it was "cool," why kids are now chasing trade careers, and what brokers/importers need to fix right nowamid tariff chaos.​

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How Joshua stumbled into trade law during school and now gets constant "how do I become a trade lawyer?" messages from students

Why 2018's first 301 tariffs (2.5% → 25%) made everyone suddenly care about duties—and 2026's even wilder environment is drawing new talent

Common mistakes still killing companies: Chinese-labeled boxes from "Vietnam," missing factory photos, zero origin verification

The compliance "magnifying glass": origin, valuation, classification now mean 50% duty swings under USMCA if you get it wrong

Trust crisis aftermath: 2025's Truth Social posts that went nowhere (Canada 100%, Korea hikes, India rollback)—how to rebuild process confidence

Cross-functional training is non-negotiable: engineers, finance, procurement mustunderstand why compliance asks for BOMs/pictures/policies

ATCC value for brokers: quick expert guidance on 232 valuations (CBP guidance often thin), E&O help, license audits, client advising (auto/steel/furniture/medical)

Joshua's 2026 Predictions:

Retraction/scale-back of aggressive trade actions (already starting)

IEEPA case decision post-State of the Union

USMCA renegotiation: all 3 countries want updates—lobby now via public comments (it works—tariff shift rules already changed from past efforts)

Policies aren't static: build living procedures that adapt monthly, assign owners, train cross-functionally

ATCC Highlights (Houston, Feb 2026):
Joshua emphasizes ATCC's blend of C-suite policy + operational "how-to-file-today" sessions with lawyers/brokers/importers. Global networking (Canada/Brazil/Mexico/Adidas reps) creates crisis-call contacts. For Southern border brokers, it's essential intel to serve auto/steel/furniture/medical clients amid monthly rule shifts.

Key Takeaways:
Trade law went from invisible to hot overnight—leverage conferences like ATCC to upskill fast
Start fixing compliance with education: get lawyers in front of decision-makers, scare with penalties, build policies
Cross-train everyone—they don't need expertise, just enough to escalate red flags and support compliance asks
Lobbying works: USMCA tariff shift changes prove public comments shape outcomes—submit yours now
ATCC isn't optional for brokers/importers—it's where you translate big-picture chaos into industry-specific procedures

Resources & Mentions:

Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP: customs practice, broker E&O, audits, rulings

ATCC Conference: advanced customs compliance, Houston 2026

PaxAI & Global Training Center: Simply Trade Podcast Sponsors

Presented by: Global Training Center​

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

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

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

Join the Trade Geeks Community

Trade Geeks (by Global Training Center): https://globaltrainingcenter.com/trade-geeks/

Host: Cindy AllenGuests: Heather Litman & Sandra Langford-Coty
Show: Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version
Published: February 6, 2026
Length: ~13 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Long Live: Celebrating Trade Wins with Your Industry Crew

Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, delivers this week’s rapid-fire trade update through the lens of Taylor Swift’s “Long Live”—a song about shared victories and the bonds that make them possible. From congressional pushback on exclusions to critical minerals zones and a surprising U.S.-China thaw, Cindy breaks down what happened and what’s next.​

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Express Carrier Bill faces pushback
Peter Navarro publicly opposes the bill for simplified clearance parity with USPS, calling de minimis a zombie issue that “won’t die.”​

Congress demands exclusion transparency
Senator Wyden’s letter calls the Section 232 exclusion process secretive and confusing—good news that Congress may step in for importers/exporters.​

USMCA hearing next week
Senate Finance Committee will hear from pro-trade voices and domestic industry reps—watch for outcomes that could impact the agreement.​

EU moves fast on U.S. trade deal
EU Parliament takes up negotiations internally to beat deadlines and avoid tariff retaliation seen with other countries.​

HTS updates published
International Trade Commission released food/pharma changes effective February 1—check if you’re impacted via the International Trade Administration.​

Critical minerals preferential zone
Administration (led by VP JD Vance) exploring enforceable price floors at every production stage—no details yet.​

India IEPA tariff reductions pending
Rumored drop from 50% total to 18%, but no Federal Register notice or CSMS message yet—stay tuned for implementation guidance.​

U.S.-China relations thaw?
Administration calls recent talks “extremely good,” signaling stability for China importers after a year of mixed signals.​

Why “Long Live”?
Cindy ties the week’s developments to “Long Live,” focusing on celebrating successes with friends—especially critical now when industry networks help navigate chaos. Conferences and associations aren’t just for learning; they’re where you build the relationships that get you through volatile times.​

Key Takeaways:

Momentum is building for more congressional oversight on exclusion processes—positive for transparency.​

Check HTS food/pharma updates immediately if affected; they’re already live.​

Critical minerals zone and India tariff details will drop soon—track Federal Register and CSMS closely.​

U.S.-China tone shift could mean stability, but verify with primary sources before adjusting strategy.​

Build your trade network now—when rules change monthly, friends in the industry are your real compliance superpower.​

 

Presented by: Global Training Center​

Listen & Subscribe

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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​

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/simply-trade-podcast​

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

Join the Trade Geeks Community

Trade Geeks (by Global Training Center): https://globaltrainingcenter.com/trade-geeks/