Simply Trade

• 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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• Tariff Tango: Supreme Court Steps Into Trade Compliance Chaos with Lila Landis and Jason Kenner

  Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles Guests: Lila Landis – JAS Worldwide, Global Head of Compliance Jason Kenner – Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg Published: November 2025 Presented by: Global Training Center Length: ~30 minutes Episode Summary This week on Simply Trade, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles dive into the recent Supreme Court hearings on IEEPA tariffs. What are the implications for trade compliance, importers, and exporters? Can tariffs truly be challenged, and what does that mean for revenue collection and the midterm elections? Guests Lila Landis (JAS Worldwide) and Jason Kenner (Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg) provide expert insights on the legal arguments, practical impacts on compliance teams, and the political and economic consequences of the Court’s decision. They break down how emergency tariffs have been applied, the challenges of refunds, and what importers should expect moving forward. Whether you’re a customs professional or a policy observer, this episode offers a clear and practical view of the rapidly evolving tariff landscape. Key Topics ⚖️ The legal debate over IEEPA authority and presidential power to impose tariffs 💰 Revenue collection, refunds, and “messiness” of tariff reversals 📊 How different rulings could impact compliance teams and importers 📝 Practical advice for trade compliance professionals to manage risk and expectations 🏛️ Political and economic consequences, including potential effects on midterm elections 🚨 Lessons from emergency tariff implementations — speed, volatility, and strategic planning Quotes to Remember “Even if IEEPA tariffs are struck down, it doesn’t mean tariffs go away — the administration has multiple other avenues.” — Lila Landis “Customs knows who paid what, so refunds are feasible; the real question is when they will actually be issued.” — Lila Landis “The importers had the better argument — both legally and in optics — because these tariffs have created real harms and volatility.” — Jason Kenner “Trade compliance professionals must manage expectations within their organizations — the process will not be instant even if the Supreme Court rules against IEEPA.” — Lila Landis Resources & Mentions JAS Worldwide Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg Global Training Center Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – ACE Portal IEEPA Tariffs Overview Credits Hosts: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Guests: Lila Landis – JAS Worldwide Jason Kenner – Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg Produced by: Global Training Center 📢 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 on LinkedIn Global Training Center on LinkedIn Trade Geeks Community

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• [TIPS] Stakeholder Alignment & Financial Support: The Two-Meeting Approach

  Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks Published: [Insert publish date here] Length: ~13 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center 💡 Episode Summary In this episode of Simply Trade [Tips], Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) dive into one of the most critical elements of project success — stakeholder alignment and financial support. Building on their earlier discussions about identifying projects and crafting strong business cases, they now share how to get everyone — from team members to leadership — formally on board. Their secret? A practical, repeatable Two-Meeting Approach that helps move projects forward smoothly, even when feedback is tough. Whether your project is big or small, this episode offers clear strategies to engage stakeholders, manage risk, and secure the sign-offs and funding you need to deliver results. 🧠 Key Takeaways Identify Stakeholders Early – Use a “cradle-to-grave” process map to visualize every department, internal and external, that touches your project. Engage Both Levels – Include leadership and the team members doing the work. Both perspectives are essential for success. The Two-Meeting Approach: Meeting 1: The Feedback Session – Present your proposal, collect input, and note “likes, concerns, and suggestions.” Don’t defend or persuade — just listen. Meeting 2: The Resolution Session – Return with responses and mitigations for the feedback you received. This shows you listened, builds trust, and keeps the project moving forward. Formalize the Sign-Off – Use a written approval document or form to ensure everyone agrees on cost, scope, and responsibilities. Communicate Constantly – Hold regular working meetings to track issues and progress, plus separate leadership updates to share successes, risks, and next steps. 🧭 FIO (Figure It Out) 👉 Action Item: Try the Two-Meeting Approach — even for a small project. Use it to gather feedback on a new process, tool, or idea, and then circle back with mitigations or updates. You’ll be amazed at how this approach builds buy-in and reenergizes stalled projects. Then, share your experience in the Trade Geeks Community! 💬 Keep the Conversation Going Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and tell Renee & Julie: Have you tried the Two-Meeting Approach? What challenges or wins did you experience? How do you get stakeholder buy-in for your projects? 🎧 Credits Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli Julie Parks Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📲 Subscribe & Follow 🎙️ New TIPS episodes every Tuesday. 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! 📩 Want to be on the show or suggest a topic? Email us at [email protected] or DM us on X/Twitter @SimplyTradePod

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• [ROUNDUP] Surviving Tariffs, Broker Mistakes, and Importer Realities

  Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Joe Burks, Importer at Yamaha Published: November 10, 2025 Length: ~23 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center The Importer’s Burden: Navigating Tariffs, Errors, and an Ever-Shifting Trade Landscape In this week’s Simply Trade Roundup, Annik Sobing welcomes Joe Burks, importer at Yamaha, to unpack the very real challenges trade professionals face amid ever-changing tariffs, tight timelines, and limited resources. From 301 and 232 tariffs to broker errors, Joe sheds light on the daily grind of staying compliant while keeping operations moving. He discusses how misapplied Chapter 99 codes, like those covering metal derivatives, can lead to a 50% spike in duties overnight — and how proactive auditing helped Yamaha recover over $52,000 in refunds. Annik and Joe also dive into the human side of trade: burnout, job security, and the importance of communicating value to management. Joe shares how he secured an additional headcount by quantifying trade’s impact, proving that compliance teams can and do add measurable value. The episode wraps up with a forward-looking conversation about AI in trade compliance, the Supreme Court’s review of tariffs, and the uncertainty around potential duty refunds. Joe’s advice? Don’t rely on policy changes — manage what you can control, audit your entries, and build resilience in your processes. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How 301 and 232 tariffs are creating major operational challenges for importers. Why auditing broker work is critical — even when you’ve worked with them for years. The impact of misapplied Chapter 99 exceptions on cost and compliance. Practical ways to communicate your team’s value and get leadership buy-in. How AI automation tools can help offset limited staffing and improve accuracy. What trade professionals should watch for as the Supreme Court weighs in on tariffs and potential refunds. Key Takeaways Always audit your broker’s work — one misclassified entry could cost thousands. Track and measure trade data to show results; “You can’t fix what you don’t measure.” AI won’t replace compliance professionals but can automate manual steps. Don’t depend on policy changes or refunds — focus on process control and accuracy. Communicating trade’s financial value (e.g., duty refunds) can earn you a seat at the table. Resources & Mentions Yamaha Motor Company U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Section 301 Trade Remedies U.S. Department of Commerce – Section 232 Tariffs Global Training Center Credits Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Joe Burks Producer: Lalo Solorzano Subscribe & Follow New Roundup episodes every week. 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 Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions? 📩 Reach us at [email protected] or DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod

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