Simply Trade

• [Cindy’s Version] Everything Has Changed

  Host: Cindy Allen Published: November 21, 2025 Length: ~12 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary This week on Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen unpacks a dramatic shift in global trade policy—one that touches everything from tariff reductions to new exemptions and unexpected reversals. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Everything Has Changed, Cindy explains how seemingly overnight, the trade landscape has transformed in ways that directly impact importers, customs brokers, and compliance professionals. From significant tariff rollbacks for China and Europe to new carve-outs for select products, Cindy walks through the week’s biggest developments and breaks down what’s real, what’s promised, and what’s still uncertain. In a moment where policies shift faster than supply chains can adapt, this episode brings clarity to the change—and perspective to the pace of it all. This Week in Trade • The administration announces a 10% reduction in tariffs on Chinese goods, including items previously subject to Section 301 duties • European-origin goods also receive reductions, with guidance forthcoming • CBP releases clarification on how these reductions apply operationally • Importers await confirmation on whether refunds will be automatic or require PSCs or protests • Supply chains begin recalibrating landed cost models and forecasting impacts New Trade Developments • China signals cooperation by easing rare earth export controls and increasing U.S. agricultural imports • The EU indicates interest in parallel reductions if the U.S. maintains consistency • Treasury and USTR state reductions are prospective, while refund policy remains under review • Early reduction categories include selected machinery, metals, and electronics • CBP urges importers to verify HTS classifications to ensure correct duty application Why This Feels Like “Everything Has Changed” Cindy highlights how quickly and massively the trade environment has shifted in just a few days. Overnight tariff reductions require importers to revisit landed costs, adjust contracts, notify customers, and reevaluate sourcing strategies. Customs brokers must reconfigure systems, classification profiles, and compliance workflows while fielding urgent questions from clients looking for immediate clarity. And with refund policy still unknown, teams must prepare for multiple scenarios, even as new developments continue to unfold. The cumulative effect: everything truly feels like it changed all at once. Key Takeaways • Tariff reductions could significantly cut duties for many importers • Refund guidance is still pending and may not be automatic • Accurate HTS classification is essential to capture reduced rates • China’s concessions may signal a possible easing of tensions • The speed of regulatory change is accelerating across all fronts RESOURCES & MENTIONS • Global Training Center • TradeForce Multiplier Credits Host: • Cindy Allen – LinkedIn • Trade Force Multiplier Producer: • Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn 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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• IEEPA, 232, and the New Tariff Playbook: Eric Hargraves Breaks Down What’s Next for U.S. Trade Policy

    Episode: #394 Hosts:  Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano Guest: Eric Hargraves Director – Elliott Davis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-hargraves-98a4572/ Firm: Elliott Davis — https://www.linkedin.com/company/elliott-davis-1920/ Published : November 20, 2025 Length: ~34 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Episode Overview In this in-depth roundtable discussion, Andy and Lalo welcome back Eric Hargraves, a listener favorite and trade policy expert known for breaking down complex issues with clarity. This episode tackles one of the hottest topics in global trade: the future of tariffs, IEEPA, and how the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision could reshape U.S. trade policy. Eric shares his early analysis of the recent Supreme Court oral arguments on the use of IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) to impose broad, country-wide tariffs—an approach now under scrutiny. Together, they explore whether the U.S. is shifting away from country-of-origin-based tariffs toward sector-based or product-based tariff frameworks, and what that means for importers, exporters, and manufacturers. They also take a historical walk through Section 232 and 301, discuss China’s role in the global supply chain, unpack forced labor concerns, and examine how trade policy is being used not just as an economic tool—but a geopolitical one. If your business relies on global sourcing, supply chain planning, cost modeling, or tariff strategy, this is a must-listen episode that cuts through political noise and focuses on operational reality. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🔍 1. The Supreme Court & IEEPA — What’s at Stake Why the Court is skeptical about using IEEPA for broad tariff actions Clarifying the difference between regulating importation and imposing de facto taxes What a ruling against IEEPA tariffs could trigger 🧭 2. The Pivot Toward Sectoral Tariffs Eric outlines an emerging pattern: More Section 232 investigations (steel, aluminum, copper, lumber, autos, medical devices, robotics) More code-specific exclusions and carve-outs More targeted vs. country-wide tariff strategies This gives trade professionals more predictability—and new compliance challenges. 🌏 3. How We Got Here: WTO, China, & Forced Labor The group revisits: Post-WWII tariff negotiations and asymmetrical concessions How China’s WTO accession reshaped global manufacturing Forced labor issues (UFLPA) and global ethical responsibilities Why bipartisan support exists for confronting unfair trade practices ⚙️ 4. Trade as a National Security Strategy Why 232 tariffs matter for: Defense industrial base Pharmaceuticals Critical minerals Rare earths Robotics and advanced manufacturing Andy and Eric also highlight how trade agreements with partners like Australia and Japan support de-risking supply chains. 📈 5. What Importers Should Do RIGHT NOW Eric provides three practical action steps: Map exposure & opportunities Understand current tariffs vs. new exemptions/exclusions Identify where sectoral shifts may affect your sourcing Prepare for legacy frameworks to shift USMCA review in 2026 New carve-outs in CAFTA-DR and other bilateral frameworks Don’t pivot your supply chain based on rumors Only respond to published Federal Register notices + CBP guidance Model landed cost scenarios now to act quickly later He also warns companies to anticipate supplier renegotiations if tariff burdens disappear—they may try to claw back FOB discounts. Resources Mentioned Section 301 tariffs Section 232 investigations UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act) WTO, GATT, and historical tariff frameworks U.S. bilateral trade agreements and exemptions Federal Register notices CBP CSMS guidance 📢 Subscribe & Follow  

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• [TIPS] Managing Roadblocks & Running Your Project Smoothly

  Series: Project Management (Episode 4) Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks Length: ~11 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Episode Summary In this fourth installment of the Project Management mini-series, Renee and Julie break down what happens after you've aligned stakeholders, gained approvals, and kicked off your trade compliance project. This episode focuses on the real work — running the project, managing roadblocks, and keeping everything on track with structure, clarity, and communication. Renee and Julie walk through four practical steps that successful project managers rely on, whether you're implementing trade software, managing a compliance program, or improving broker performance. If you're involved in any ongoing project (big or small), this episode gives you a clear, repeatable framework that keeps tasks moving, risks controlled, and your team accountable. Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Establish Regular Tag-Ups Two types of meetings are essential: Project Team Meetings: more frequent, tactical, working-level Sponsor or Leadership Tag-Ups: higher-level updates, monthly/quarterly These keep everyone informed, connected, and aligned. 2️⃣ Run the Meeting with a Plan + Issues Log A project without a plan… isn’t a project. Use tools such as: Microsoft Project Excel (RAG status works great) A shared issues log Your issues log should track: Item number Description Date opened Responsible party Date closed Notes (timestamp each meeting) The log keeps the team organized and accountable — without calling anyone out. 3️⃣ Keep an Updated Risk Log Projects evolve — and so do risks. New risks emerge, scope shifts, resources fluctuate. Your risk log helps you: Track emerging risks Flag issues for leadership Prevent surprises during sponsor reviews 4️⃣ Communicate — Especially with a Round Table Every meeting should end with: 👉 “Does anyone have additional roadblocks or concerns we haven’t discussed?” This creates a safe environment where team members feel heard, aligned, and empowered to raise real issues before they derail progress. FIO: Figure It Out This week’s action: ➡️ Start an Issues Log — even for one small project. Use Excel to track tasks, owners, dates, and notes. Send it out before and after each meeting. You’ll instantly improve alignment, accountability, and flow. Once you try it, share your results in the Trade Geeks Community! Keep the Conversation Going Tell Renee and Julie how your issues log is working! Join the Trade Geeks Community: 👉 Trade Geeks Credits Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli - LinkedIn Julie Parks - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano LinkedIn Subscribe & Follow New TIPS episodes every Tuesday. 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 Want to Be on the Show or Suggest a Topic? Email us at [email protected] or DM us on Twitter/X: @SimplyTradePod

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• How CBP Is Using AI to Detect Tariff Cheats with Pete Mento

  Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Pete Mento Published: November 17, 2025 Length: ~34 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center   In this week’s News Roundup, host Annik Sobing is joined by global trade expert Pete Mento for a fast-paced and deeply insightful conversation about how U.S. Customs and Border Protection is using AI-based targeting to detect valuation fraud, origin manipulation, and transshipment schemes. Pete explains why AI represents a new era of enforcement — where anomalies, false declarations, forced labor indicators, and risky supplier networks can be identified in seconds. He also warns that companies who think they’re “getting away with” origin washing or transshipment are likely to be caught. The two also dive into the coming Supreme Court decision on IEEPA tariffs, possible refund scenarios, the political landscape, and why proper recordkeeping may determine who survives the next wave of enforcement. A high-energy, no-nonsense episode packed with real-world examples every importer needs to hear. KEY TAKEAWAYS 🔎 Customs Is Using AI — Whether Industry Likes It or Not AI is now detecting anomalies in classification, valuation, and country-of-origin patterns at scale. Federal agencies are treating AI outputs as actionable enforcement data — even while telling importers not to fully trust AI themselves. ⚠️ Transshipment Is NOT Legal — Full Stop Pete emphasizes clearly: “Transshipment is not something anyone should ever even consider.” CBP’s data on supply-chain linkages (including forced-labor networks) makes origin washing easy to detect. 📚 Recordkeeping & Audit-Readiness Will Decide Who Survives Companies with strong internal audits, clean documentation, and proactive supplier engagement will be best positioned if tariff refunds become available. Importers relying on “but we’ve never been caught before” are in for a painful wake-up call. 💼 Enforcement Pressure Is Rising Billions (potentially trillions) of dollars in tariffs mean CBP is operating more like a revenue agency than a facilitation agency. Importers, suppliers, and freight forwarders are all facing tougher expectations for compliance. 🧠 AI Tools for Industry Are Catching Up Companies like Otana, Exiger, and E2Open (formerly Avalara Trade) are developing tools to help importers audit HTS, valuation, and supply chain risk. Pete predicts that in 12–24 months, AI-driven compliance tools will become standard for freight forwarders and importers. ⚖️ The Supreme Court IEEPA Tariff Case Pete shares a detailed and balanced projection: The Court may rule narrowly against the legality of how certain tariffs were implemented. Refunds may be possible — but the mechanism could create a massive administrative burden. Only importers who preserved rights (filing suit, protests, or PAAs) may recover funds. 🌍 Global Ripples Other countries may adopt similar tariff structures as they watch U.S. revenue patterns. Mexico’s 2026 tariff framework is highlighted as an example of forward notice and adjustment time. RESOURCES & MENTIONS Here are all items mentioned in the episode: Article: “US Customs Will Use AI to Detect Tariff Cheats” ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) – CBP’s entry & account system ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association CREDITS Host: Annik Sobing — LinkedIn Guest: Pete Mento — LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano — LinkedIn SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW New Roundup episodes every week. Presented by: Global Training Center — 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 Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? Email: [email protected] Twitter/X: @SimplyTradePod

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• [Cindy’s Version] Death by a Thousand Cuts

  Host: Cindy Allen Published: November 14, 2025 Length: ~14 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary This week on Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen breaks down a whirlwind of trade developments—from the end of the federal shutdown to a rapid string of new tariff exemptions and reciprocal deals. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Death by a Thousand Cuts, Cindy explains how the industry isn’t being overwhelmed by one big policy shift, but by the relentless series of small, fragmented, high-impact changes that hit importers, customs brokers, and compliance teams day after day. From air freight instability to Switzerland–U.S. negotiations, CAFTA carve-outs, and Argentina beef exemptions, Cindy sheds light on both the economic impact and the behind-the-scenes operational work that trade professionals must perform every time a new deal hits the headlines. This Week in Trade • The federal shutdown ends and the aviation system begins stabilizing • FAA restores routes after up to 6% of flights were cut • Air freight is preparing for a possible late-season peak (but uncertainty remains) • Global shipping flows shift again: • Europe, Middle East, Central America lanes show growth from China • U.S.-bound volumes remain down year-over-year • Anchorage continues its rise as a major air freight hub • Forecasts indicate overall soft demand for the remainder of the year New Trade Developments • U.S.–Switzerland trade deal announced (Details forthcoming; likely modeled after UK/EU/Japan tariff frameworks) • Central America tariff revisions under CAFTA • Expected apparel exemptions for Guatemala & El Salvador • Guatemala coffee exempted — positive for major U.S. importers • Argentina beef tariff reductions • Good for consumers • Raises sensitivity with U.S. cattle industry Here’s a strong, concise paragraph version that keeps all the meaning but reads smoothly and professionally: Why This Feels Like “Death by a Thousand Cuts” Cindy explains that today’s trade environment is overwhelming not because of one major policy shift, but because of the constant stream of piecemeal announcements that arrive without warning. Industry groups have little opportunity to offer input, and each new deal or exemption forces customs brokers into a full operational cycle—from interpreting vague notices and waiting for CSMS or Federal Register clarification to updating systems, revising SOPs, identifying affected HTS numbers, retraining teams, and notifying clients. Importers face a parallel burden as they update classifications, reevaluate landed costs, adjust sourcing and contracts, and communicate financial impacts across their organizations. With several new deals dropping within just a couple of days, teams are completing multiple implementation cycles back-to-back, making the pressure feel like a true “death by a thousand cuts.” Key Takeaways • The shutdown is over, but volatility continues across aviation and freight • Global trade flows are shifting, but the U.S. remains an outlier in demand • New tariff deals bring benefits but impose significant operational burdens • Compliance and broker teams are stretched thin by continuous policy shifts • The industry is experiencing a true “death by a thousand cuts” RESOURCES & MENTIONS • Global Training Center • TradeForce Multiplier Credits Host: • Cindy Allen – LinkedIn • Trade Force Multiplier Producer: • Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn 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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