Simply Trade

Host: Cindy Allen
Guest(s): N/A
Published: October 9, 2026
Length: ~19 min.
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
At a customs compliance conference, Cindy Allen heard a trade-fraud task force speaker describe a move toward a “zero-trust” enforcement environment. In this episode, she unpacks what that message could mean for importers: more data-driven scrutiny, more detailed questions, and a greater need to substantiate what appears on an entry.

Using Taylor Swift’s “No Body, No Crime” as this week’s theme, Cindy explores the role of ACE data, AI-assisted supply-chain mapping, and interagency collaboration in the enforcement approach described by the speaker. Her central question is practical: can your business support its country-of-origin determinations, classifications, and manufacturing claims when customs asks for evidence?

She also walks through the week’s tariff-refund developments, including CAPE 3 questions and a reported class-action designation, before turning to country-of-origin scrutiny and proposed changes for informal mail entries. Additional updates touch on global overcapacity, USMCA uncertainty, and the relationship between tariffs and consumer-goods inflation.

For importers, brokers, and compliance teams, the episode connects policy headlines to the daily work of maintaining records, understanding suppliers, and responding thoughtfully to government requests. Cindy’s message: being confident in your compliance is not the same as being prepared to demonstrate it.

This Week in Trade
• Tariff refunds and litigation: Cindy discusses CAPE 3 filing questions, protest-related guidance, and a reported class-action designation. She highlights unresolved participation details, potential benefits for smaller importers, and the possibility of a government appeal.

• Country of origin and overcapacity: Cindy reviews U.S. Trade Representative comments on manufacturing and origin determinations, increasingly detailed customs questionnaires, and G20 efforts to address overcapacity.

• Proposed informal mail-entry changes: The Entry Type 13 discussion covers broker appointments, tighter data deadlines, proposed changes to the $250 trade-remedy threshold for informal entries, and final deliver-to-party information.

• USMCA and tariff impacts: Cindy flags questions about USMCA’s future and discusses a report linking tariffs to consumer-goods inflation.

Main Topic / Discussion
Cindy’s main discussion centers on the “zero-trust” enforcement environment described by a trade-fraud task force speaker at an ACI customs compliance and trade-enforcement conference. She examines how ACE data, AI-assisted mapping, and cooperation across agencies can connect parties, products, and filing patterns.

Her example: two importers use the same supplier for the same product but declare different tariff numbers. Cindy explains why that difference can attract scrutiny and how detailed CBP Forms 28 and 29 may help officials build a fuller picture of the goods, manufacturing processes, and parties involved.

The practical question running through the discussion is whether a company can produce the evidence behind its trade decisions—not simply state that it is compliant.

Key Takeaways
• Be prepared to substantiate your declarations. Cindy challenges importers to consider whether their records support the classifications, origin determinations, and manufacturing information on which they rely.

• Understand both the entities and the goods. Cindy distinguishes the supply chain—the entities moving goods—from the value chain—the goods moving among those entities.

• Take detailed customs communications seriously. Cindy urges importers receiving extensive Forms 28 and 29 to seek experienced assistance and consult customs counsel when preparing responses.

• Separate developments from final outcomes. Refund procedures, possible appeals, and proposed mail-entry changes involve unresolved questions. Cindy emphasizes understanding the details before deciding what a development means for your business.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• Cindy Allen on LinkedIn

• Trade Force Multiplier: Cindy’s trade consultancy, introduced in the episode.

• Song reference: Taylor Swift, “No Body, No Crime,” from evermore.

• Referenced processes and tools: CAPE 3, the Court of International Trade, ACE data, CBP Forms 28 and 29, and proposed Entry Type 13 mail procedures.

Credits
Host:
Cindy Allen

Guest(s):
N/A

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Penny Chen
Published: October 8, 2026
Length: Approximately 37 minutes; transcript ends at 37:16
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
AI can help trade professionals work differently—but what separates a useful tool from a solution that actually delivers? In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano sits down with Penny Chen to explore her founder journey and what it has taught her about customers, compliance, and the limits of general-purpose AI.

Penny shares how her background in AI algorithm design and experience at Flexport led her into trade, then takes listeners inside the early startup days: a small apartment, a modest IKEA shopping list, and two technical founders learning to build and sell at the same time. She also explains why the business shifted from selling duty drawback software to providing a full service focused on customer outcomes.

From there, the conversation turns to a question many trade teams are asking: where should AI fit into their work? Lalo and Penny discuss getting started with general-purpose tools, recognizing when specialized solutions are needed, and bringing scattered information together so professionals can focus on judgment rather than coordination.

For trade practitioners and technology-minded leaders, this episode offers an approachable look at why learning the tools matters—and why domain knowledge still belongs at the center of the conversation.

Main Topic / Discussion
The central question is not simply whether AI can produce an answer, but whether it can support the work a trade team actually needs to get done.

Penny connects her company’s move into full-service duty drawback with the importance of delivering customer outcomes. She and Lalo then explore the limits of general-purpose AI, the challenge of fragmented data, and the role of specialized tools. Looking ahead, Penny shares her vision of more connected workflows that leave professionals with more time for research, judgment, and business decisions.

Throughout the discussion, one point keeps coming back: understanding the technology does not replace understanding the trade problem.

Key Takeaways
• Start with curiosity and hands-on practice. Penny encourages trade professionals to experiment with general-purpose AI while learning the fundamentals of how it works.

• Recognize when a general-purpose tool is not enough. Complex trade workflows can require specialized systems, industry context, and information that a standalone conversation does not bring together.

• Focus on outcomes, not software alone. Penny explains how customer needs drove the shift from selling duty drawback software to delivering a full-service offering.

• Keep trade expertise at the center. Lalo and Penny’s experiences building software illustrate why subject-matter knowledge remains essential when using AI to develop and evaluate solutions.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• Connect with Penny Chen on LinkedIn — reach out about AI, trade compliance, and the educational sessions discussed in the episode.

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):
Penny Chen - LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Warrington Ellacott
Guest(s): Laura Dawson
Published: October 7, 2026
Length: Approximately 21 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
What happens when the political conversation about trade leaves the businesses doing the trading on the sidelines? In this special Canada edition of Simply Trade, host Warrington Ellacott welcomes Laura Dawson, Executive Director of the Future Borders Coalition, for a discussion about what Canada–U.S. trade uncertainty looks like beyond Ottawa and Washington. Future Borders Coalition

Drawing on conversations with manufacturers, importers, and exporters, Laura explains why frustration extends well beyond tariffs. Shifting compliance requirements, rules of origin, classification questions, and delays in getting answers can make familiar business relationships harder to maintain. Warrington adds the Canadian importing perspective, including the challenges of navigating tariff remission processes.

The conversation also explores a difficult balance: how Canada can build new trading opportunities without weakening the commercial relationships businesses already rely on. Rather than waiting for one political meeting or policy decision to solve everything, Laura makes the case for competitiveness, stronger infrastructure, and giving businesses room to operate.

For trade professionals trying to keep goods moving while the policy landscape shifts, this episode offers perspective on protecting relationships, improving supply chain visibility, and finding reasons for cautious optimism.

Main Topic / Discussion
Warrington and Laura examine how political friction becomes operational friction for companies moving goods between Canada and the United States. Their discussion connects tariff uncertainty, compliance demands, and remission challenges with bigger questions about USMCA/CUSMA, diversification, and competitiveness.

At the center is a practical question: How can governments strengthen businesses’ ability to compete without making established cross-border relationships harder to maintain? Laura argues for expanding commercial options, lowering the political temperature, and giving businesses breathing room—not expecting a single negotiation or international meeting to solve everything.

Key Takeaways
• Tariffs are only part of the burden. Laura highlights how changing compliance requirements, origin questions, classification issues, and slow answers compound uncertainty for businesses.

• Diversification should expand options, not sacrifice existing relationships. The discussion emphasizes competitiveness and commercially viable opportunities while preserving valuable Canada–U.S. connections.

• Cooperation still matters beyond national capitals. Warrington encourages continued engagement with provincial and state officials who understand the businesses and communities affected.

• Resilience can build long-term capability. Greater supply chain visibility, adaptability, and investments in infrastructure give Laura reasons for cautious optimism—even without a quick return to the previous trading environment.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• Laura Dawson’s op-ed: “Cross-Border Traders Are Tired of Being an Afterthought” — The article discussed in this episode, examining business frustration with the costs and uncertainty surrounding Canada–U.S. trade. LinkedIn

• Future Borders Coalition

• IE Canada — Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters

• IE Canada International Trade Summit — Event Details & Registration — Ottawa, November 17–19, 2026. I.E. Canada
Simply Trade listener offer: Non-members receive a $150 discount with code SIMPLYTRADE, available beginning October 1, 2026.

Credits
Host:
Warrington Ellacott

Guest(s):
Laura Dawson — LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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90 Days Until 2027 Series Episode 1 of 13
Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Miriam Name, Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton (CCN)
Published: [PUBLISH DATE]
Length: Approximately 14 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Why wait until January to fix the trade compliance problems you can start addressing today? In the kickoff to 90 Days Until 2027, Lalo Solorzano launches a 13-part Simply Trade [TIPS] series with Miriam Name of Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton (CCN). Their starting point: the documentation behind your USMCA certifications of origin.

As companies prepare supplier solicitations and next year’s blanket certificates, Miriam asks a more important question than whether the paperwork has been signed: can you support it? Drawing on her experience with audits involving Mexico, she discusses what happens when invoices disappear, qualification calculations leave with a former employee, or the person signing a certification does not understand its basis.

Lalo and Miriam explore why collecting documents is only part of the job. Those records also need to be accessible and available when someone asks how a product’s origin was determined. They discuss the limitations of scattered emails and manual workflows, along with the role software can play in supporting the process.

This opening episode sets the tone for the series: practical improvements now, rather than another compliance resolution in January. Start with your USMCA files—and find out whether your team can back up what it signs.

Main Topic / Discussion
The first preparation task is to review your USMCA origin documentation before the next certification cycle. The conversation connects supplier solicitations, qualification methodology, signer knowledge, and accessible supporting records.

Miriam also cautions exporters against assuming that a commercial agreement assigning import costs to a customer resolves the risks associated with certifications they have issued. Her closing recommendations focus on self-audits: checking certification details against importer and shipment information, reviewing methodology consistency on blanket certificates, and declining to certify when origin is uncertain.

Key Takeaways
• Start before renewal season becomes a scramble. Begin supplier solicitations early and review the documentation supporting the products you plan to certify.

• Know who is signing—and what they understand. Miriam urges companies to confirm that the signer understands the basis for the certification and not to issue one when origin is uncertain.

• Keep the evidence accessible. Review supplier documents, raw-material invoices, and qualification calculations rather than relying on one person’s inbox. For Mexico, Miriam recommends retaining supporting documentation for at least five years.

• Self-audit the details. Cross-check certifications against importer and shipment information. Miriam also recommends consistency in the methodology used for blanket certifications and considering separate certificates for products using different methodologies.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• Miriam Name — LinkedIn

• Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton (CCN)

• USMCA Management Software - RAIZ

The 90 Days Until 2027 companion playbook is in development, with practical resources planned to grow alongside the series. Follow Simply Trade for release updates.

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):
Miriam Name - LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Lori Mullins & Karen Damon
Guest(s): N/A
Published: October 2026
Length: Approximately 17 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
The pace of change in international trade isn’t slowing down—and customs brokers, freight forwarders, importers, and compliance professionals need to know what’s coming next.

In the October NCBFAA President’s Recap, presented in partnership with Simply Trade and Global Training Center, Lori Mullins sits down with NCBFAA President Karen Damon following the association’s sold-out Government Affairs Conference.

Karen takes listeners behind the scenes of NCBFAA’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and explains why transparency and advance notice remain critical when new tariffs and regulatory requirements are introduced. The conversation also examines CBP’s increasing focus on enforcement and why licensed customs brokers are being viewed as an important “force multiplier” in protecting revenue, improving data accuracy, supporting security, and keeping legitimate trade moving.

They also tackle a deadline licensed customs brokers cannot afford to overlook: the 2027 triennial report and continuing education requirements.

Finally, Karen looks ahead to what could dominate trade conversations over the coming months—including supply-chain tracing, CTPAT obligations, enhanced importer responsibilities, and CBP’s push for greater supply-chain visibility.

Main Topic / Discussion
This month’s President’s Recap focuses on a trade environment increasingly shaped by enforcement, supply-chain transparency, regulatory change, and industry advocacy.

Following NCBFAA’s Government Affairs Conference, Karen discusses the importance of bringing the trade community’s perspective directly to policymakers. She also explains why predictable implementation timelines are essential when tariffs and other requirements change. Brokers and importers need time to understand new rules, educate their teams, update software, and transmit accurate information.

The conversation then turns to CBP enforcement and the evolving responsibilities of importers and customs brokers. Karen describes brokers as an important “force multiplier” capable of helping CBP facilitate legitimate commerce while supporting security, accurate data, revenue collection, and compliance.

The 2027 Triennial Is Coming
Licensed customs brokers should be preparing now for the 2027 triennial reporting cycle.

Karen emphasizes the importance of maintaining documentation supporting continuing education credits. Lori challenges listeners to contact fellow licensed customs brokers—and importer colleagues who hold licenses—to make sure they are preparing as well.

What Comes Next?
Karen identifies two issues she believes the industry will still be discussing six months from now: supply-chain tracing and CTPAT obligations affecting customs brokers.

She encourages importers, exporters, customs brokers, and other trade professionals to pay attention to CBP’s developing supply-chain visibility requirements and participate in the regulatory process when opportunities for public comment arise.

Key Takeaways
• NCBFAA’s Government Affairs Conference gives industry professionals an opportunity to educate policymakers about trade facilitation and the practical impact of regulatory changes.

• Advance notice for tariff and regulatory changes is essential for compliant implementation, including updates to CBP systems and brokerage software.

• Customs brokers increasingly serve as a “force multiplier” by supporting CBP’s security, trade facilitation, data accuracy, and revenue-collection missions.

• Brokers and importers should closely monitor evolving requirements involving importer records, ownership information, bonds, foreign importers, and supply-chain transparency.

• Licensed customs brokers need to prepare for the 2027 triennial report and retain documentation supporting their required continuing education credits.

• NCBFAA committees and volunteers continuously monitor regulatory developments and create alerts, articles, FAQs, toolkits, and other resources for members.

• Supply-chain tracing and evolving CTPAT obligations are likely to remain major issues for the trade community.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• NCBFAA

• Lori Mullins - LinkedIn

• Karen Damon - LinkedIn

Credits
Host:
Lori Mullins

Karen Damon

Guest(s):
N/A

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

📢 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

• 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