Simply Trade

Host: Cindy Allen
Published: May 29, 2026
Length: ~12 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
In this week’s episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen breaks down one of the most intense stretches yet for the trade community as courts, CBP, and USTR continue reshaping the compliance landscape in real time.

Major developments continue around IEEPA litigation, reconciliation filings, CAPE processing issues, and ongoing court scrutiny over liquidated entries and duty refunds. Meanwhile, USMCA renegotiation discussions are beginning to signal potentially significant changes to country of origin requirements, component tracing, and automotive sourcing rules.

Inspired by New Romantics, Cindy reflects on the resilience of the trade community through nonstop operational and regulatory change. From brokers and compliance teams to importers and supply chain leaders, the industry continues adapting despite constant disruption.

This Week in Trade
• The United States Court of International Trade declined to stay its order regarding Section 122 tariff collection while appeals continue

• CBP filed guidance related to reconciliation entries and IEEPA duty handling for underlying entries and 09 reconciliation filings

• The court ordered the CBP Commissioner to appear at an upcoming June 9 hearing regarding liquidated entries and IEEPA duty resolution

• CAPE processing continues moving forward, though brokers and importers are still facing ACE-related filing complications and edit check issues

• Office of the United States Trade Representative continues active USMCA renegotiation discussions focused on automotive content, country of origin tracing, and supply chain transparency

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses heavily on the mounting operational pressure facing the trade community as regulatory, judicial, and enforcement developments continue accelerating simultaneously.

Cindy explains that reconciliation filers may soon face difficult timing decisions around underlying entries and 09 filings, especially as CBP and the courts work through how IEEPA duties should ultimately be handled. The upcoming court hearing involving the CBP Commissioner signals that the judiciary is taking a more active role in resolving outstanding liquidation and refund concerns.

On the operational side, CAPE continues functioning, but many brokers are encountering filing complications tied to duty stacking logic, tariff line placement, and legacy filing methods that predated clearer CBP guidance and ACE edit checks.

The episode also explores how USMCA negotiations are evolving beyond traditional tariff shift and regional value content calculations toward more aggressive component-level tracing and sourcing visibility requirements—particularly targeting concerns over Chinese components entering through Mexico.

Key Takeaways
• IEEPA litigation and reconciliation guidance continue evolving rapidly

• The June 9 court hearing could significantly impact duty refund handling and liquidated entries

• CAPE is operational, but ACE and filing correction challenges remain significant

• CBP help desk delays are creating operational strain across the trade community

• USMCA renegotiation discussions may fundamentally change future country of origin compliance requirements

• Trade professionals continue adapting despite relentless regulatory change

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• Trade Force Multiplier

Credits
Host:
• Cindy Allen – LinkedIn

Producer:
• Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

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• Simply Trade on LinkedIn

• Global Training Center on LinkedIn

• Trade Geeks Community

Host: Lalo Solorzano, Andy Shiles
Guest(s): Miriam Name
Published: May 28, 2026
Length: ~35 min.
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Mexico’s recent customs reforms are creating real challenges for companies moving goods across the border, especially U.S. exporters supplying Mexican importers and maquiladoras. In this episode, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles sit down with Miriam Name, Partner at Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton, to unpack what these changes mean in practical terms.

Miriam explains why Mexican authorities are now asking for more documentation, including formal contracts, valuation support, Incoterms, payment terms, and consistency across import records. She also shares why exporters can no longer rely on “the way we’ve always done it” when supporting their Mexican counterparts.

The conversation highlights how deeply integrated the U.S. and Mexico supply chains are, especially along the border, and why even small documentation inconsistencies can create major risks. From pedimentos and purchase orders to USMCA qualification and broker involvement, this episode gives trade professionals a clear starting point for reviewing their processes before an audit does it for them.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on Mexico’s customs law reforms and how they are affecting importers, exporters, maquiladoras, and cross-border supply chains. Miriam explains that Mexican authorities are looking for more support around customs valuation, formal agreements, payment terms, Incoterms, and consistency across documentation.

For U.S. exporters, the key message is that Mexican importers may now need more detailed support than before. That includes contracts, accurate product descriptions, valuation backup, and documentation that aligns across purchase orders, invoices, pedimentos, and certificates of origin.

The discussion also touches on USMCA, increasing duty exposure, audits in Mexico, and the importance of training, internal review, and proactive compliance.

Key Takeaways
• Mexico’s customs reforms are requiring more documentation and stronger valuation support from importers and their foreign suppliers.

• U.S. exporters should expect Mexican customers to request more information, including contracts, Incoterms, payment terms, and supporting documents.

• Consistency is critical. Details such as value, origin, product description, Incoterms, and payment terms should align across all trade documents.

• Companies should not assume that past practices are still acceptable. Internal reviews, sampling, broker confirmation, and outside guidance can help identify issues before they become audit problems.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Miriam Name on LinkedIn
• Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton
• Trade Geeks Community

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Andy Shiles – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Miriam Name – LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

📢 Subscribe & Follow
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💬 Connect with us:

• Simply Trade
• Global Training Center
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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?
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Host: Lalo Solorzano and Trudy Wilson
Guest(s): N/A
Published: May 27, 2026
Length: 16:11
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Trudy Wilson continue the Trudy’s Trade Tips series with another practical discussion on USMCA. This time, the focus is on documentation, certification requirements, and why tariff classification is the foundation for making accurate free trade agreement claims.

Trudy explains one of the biggest changes from NAFTA to USMCA: the old formal certificate of origin is gone. Instead, companies must ensure their USMCA certification contains the required minimum data elements, regardless of the format used. That flexibility can be helpful, but it also creates room for confusion when documents are unclear or incomplete.

The conversation also highlights the importance of identifying the certifier, exporter, producer, and importer, along with product descriptions, classifications, origin criteria, blanket periods, and certification statements. Trudy and Lalo then explain why tariff classification must come before USMCA qualification. If a company does not understand the classification of the finished product and its components, it cannot properly apply USMCA rules of origin.

This episode matters because USMCA savings are valuable, but only when claims are documented, supported, and correctly qualified.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on the documentation requirements for USMCA and the importance of tariff classification in determining whether goods qualify under the agreement.

Trudy explains that USMCA no longer requires the old NAFTA certificate format. Instead, companies must provide the required minimum data elements in whatever format they choose. This includes identifying the certifier, exporter, producer, and importer, along with the product description, tariff classification, origin criterion, blanket period, authorized signature, date, and certification statement.

A key point is that documentation must be clear. If a shipment includes both USMCA-qualifying goods and non-qualifying goods, the paperwork must clearly identify which items qualify. Mixing unclear origin declarations with USMCA claims can create confusion and risk.

The discussion then shifts to tariff classification. Lalo and Trudy emphasize that “all roads lead to the HTS.” USMCA qualification depends on understanding the classification of the finished product and the classifications of the components, parts, or ingredients used to make it. Without that foundation, companies cannot properly apply product-specific rules or determine whether a tariff shift has occurred.

Key Takeaways
• USMCA does not require the old NAFTA certificate form, but it does require specific minimum data elements.
• Companies may use their own format for USMCA certification as long as the required information is included.
• The certifier, exporter, producer, and importer must be clearly identified with the required contact details.
• Documentation must clearly show which goods qualify for USMCA and which do not.
• Tariff classification is the foundation for USMCA qualification.
• Companies must know the classification of the finished good and the components used to make it.
• Product-specific rules under USMCA depend on classification and often require analyzing tariff shifts.
• Lalo and Trudy recommend understanding tariff classification before taking on USMCA qualification work.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• TruTrade Solutions
• Lalo Solorzano on LinkedIn
• Trudy Wilson on LinkedIn

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Trudy Wilson – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
N/A

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

📢 Subscribe & Follow
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🎧 Listen on:

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💬 Connect with us:

• Simply Trade
• Global Training Center
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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?
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Host: Annik Sobing
Guest: Niki McKinnell
Published: May 2026
Length: ~22 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Niki McKinnell on Sales, Marketing, and the Story Behind Supply Chain Growth

Annik Sobing welcomes Niki McKinnell to the Simply Trade Roundup for a conversation about what happens when sales and marketing break down in B2B SaaS supply chain companies. Niki shares how her career began in public sector communications and crisis press offices, how she learned to build a story with limited resources, and how that foundation shaped the way she approaches marketing, messaging, and go-to-market strategy today.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Niki built a career around storytelling
Niki explains how her path started in government communications, where she worked in press offices and crisis environments. She talks about how those early experiences taught her to think strategically about messaging, audience, and impact.

Why sales and marketing break down
The episode explores the most common reasons sales and marketing teams lose alignment in supply chain SaaS companies. Niki describes how different definitions, assumptions, and metrics can create friction even when everyone is working toward the same goal.

What makes supply chain different
Niki breaks down why supply chain has its own flavor when it comes to go-to-market strategy. Buyers are focused on their operations, not your product, which means credibility, timing, and intentional messaging matter more than ever.

How to bring teams back into alignment
One of the most useful parts of the conversation is Niki’s framework for stronger execution: alignment, coordination, and visibility. She explains how teams can work more intentionally before, during, and after GTM activity so they are moving with the same goals in mind.

Why long sales cycles need a different approach
Niki and Annik discuss how complex buying committees, long sales cycles, and deeply rooted habits make this industry especially challenging. Niki shares how companies need to adapt their strategy to meet buyers where they are.

What to do when pipeline stalls
Niki offers advice for founders and leaders who are struggling with pipeline. Her recommendation is to focus on the brand, demand, expand framework, with brand awareness, demand generation, and customer growth all working together to support revenue.

Who this episode is for
This episode is especially valuable for marketing leaders, sales teams, founders, and GTM professionals working in supply chain or B2B SaaS. It is also a great listen for anyone trying to understand how strategy, communication, and alignment shape growth in a complex industry.

This podcast is presented by Global Training Center. 

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Simply Trade
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Host: Lalo Solorzano
Published: May 21, 2026
Length: ~22 min.
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
In this special 500th episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano steps behind the mic solo for the first time to reflect on how the podcast began, how it has evolved, and where it may be headed next. What started during the pandemic as a way to recreate the casual, meaningful trade conversations usually found at conferences has grown into a platform with multiple hosts, recurring segments, conference partnerships, and a loyal trade community.

Lalo shares the origin story of the show, from its early days with Andy Shiles to the addition of voices like Annik, Cindy Allen, Renee, Julie, Warrington Ellicott, Trudy, and others. He also talks openly about the challenges of producing a podcast, the decision to remain mostly sponsor-free, and the importance of keeping the show focused on authentic conversations rather than outside influence.

This milestone episode is part reflection, part roadmap, and part thank-you note to the listeners, hosts, partners, and trade professionals who have helped Simply Trade reach 500 episodes.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode centers on the 500-episode milestone of Simply Trade and the evolution of the podcast from a pandemic-era idea into a broader trade media platform. Lalo reflects on the show’s beginnings, the people who helped shape it, and the different series that have emerged over time, including Cindy’s trade commentary, Canadian-focused episodes, professional development tips, conference partnerships, and potential future segments.

He also shares what may be coming next, including more trade crime episodes, possible Mexico-focused content, renewed “Simply Trade Folks” conversations, and more technology-focused discussions around AI and trade tools.

Key Takeaways
• Simply Trade began as a way to recreate informal trade conversations during the pandemic.
• The show has grown from a simple host-led podcast into a larger platform with multiple voices and recurring segments.
• Lalo wants the podcast to remain authentic, open, and mostly free from sponsor influence.
• Future content may include trade crime stories, Mexico-focused episodes, technology discussions, and more career-centered conversations with trade professionals.

Resources & Mentions

USMCA Qualification Tool - Accepting Applications for Beta Testers

Global Training Center

Lalo Solorzano on LinkedIn

Simply Trade Podcast

Trade Geeks Community

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

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?
[email protected]