Simply Trade

Host: Cindy Allen
Show: Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version
Published: April 9, 2026
Length: ~16 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

The Story of Us: Tariff Changes, CAPE Confusion, and the Trade Community Waiting for Answers

Cindy Allen returns with a wide-ranging trade update set to Taylor Swift’s “The Story of Us,” using the song’s theme of miscommunication to frame the current disconnect between CBP, the courts, and the trade community. From a new DHS funding update and fresh uncertainty around tariffs and valuation to the evolving CAPE refund process and the latest questions around customs business, this episode captures a moment where the trade world is working hard to keep up with fast-moving policy changes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

DHS and trade funding

DHS remains largely unfunded, although TSA funding has now passed and some CBP officers remain funded under prior legislation.

Many trade-related staff are still working without pay, and the shutdown pressure has now stretched beyond a month.

Last sale and valuation debate

Congress is still considering the last sale bill, which could eliminate last sale as a valuation method.

Cindy explains that last sale has long been treated as part of the broader transaction value framework and is supported by court history, but Congress can still change the law if it chooses.

White House tariff threats

The White House floated 50% duties on countries that sell weapons to Iran, though Cindy questions what legal authority could support that now that IEEPA has been ruled unlawful.

For China, the government could potentially revise Section 301 tariffs, but for other countries, the implementation path is unclear.

Forced labor enforcement

The Labor Department announced a new tool for assessing foreign forced labor practices, but details were sparse.

Cindy notes that CBP already has a strong forced labor framework and suggests the Labor Department may be stepping into a larger detection/enforcement role.

WTO criticism from USTR

U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer published an op-ed criticizing the World Trade Organization, signaling frustration with its current effectiveness and casting doubt on the U.S. role going forward.

Cindy highlights this as another sign that global trade institutions may be under pressure to prove relevance.

232 updates now in effect

The recent steel and aluminum 232 changes took effect on April 6.

Cindy notes that the system seems to be running smoothly, with de minimis treatment for some shipments under 15%, reduced or removed tariff coverage for certain HDS annex items, and new component-level classifications that reduce ambiguity even if the tariff burden remains high.

CBP also released guidance on April 3, which importers subject to 232 should review carefully.

USMCA remains strained

USMCA negotiations continue, but Cindy says they are tense and may not conclude by the July 1 deadline.

Despite frustration and mixed positions among the three governments, she notes the agreement still matters for North American production and U.S. manufacturing support.

Customs business ruling and trade tech

A recent customs business ruling has created concern among AI and trade tech companies, especially around whether certain activities now require a licensed customs broker.

Cindy explains that the issue muddies the water for brokers, tech providers, and importers alike and will likely require clarification from CBP.

ACE portal account requirement

CBP has rolled out a new ACE portal account application process.

Importers seeking refunds now need an ACE Portal account, and Cindy recommends checking CBP’s site or speaking with a broker to understand the new application process.

Strait of Hormuz and market impact

The war with Iran is paused for two weeks, but a reported $2 million vessel toll for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is raising alarms.

Cindy also points to Bloomberg reporting that some Asian factories are seeing 55% price increases on plastics, showing how oil transit issues ripple into fertilizers, plastics, diesel, and broader market volatility.

CAPE and “The Story of Us”
Cindy says she chose “The Story of Us” because the song reflects the miscommunication and silence she sees between CBP, the courts, and the trade community. The CAPE process is still being built, and while CBP has filed detailed updates with the court, the real uncertainty is how the court will interpret those filings and what rules will ultimately apply to importers.

The biggest unresolved questions remain whether finally liquidated entries will be included, whether protests or court actions will be required, and how refund filings will ultimately work. Cindy notes that the lead case changed from Artemis to a new test case after Artemis withdrew, meaning the court started over with new orders and the process remains in motion.

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Presented by Global Training Center

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Importing isn’t as simple as buying a product overseas and having it show up at your door.

In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles break down three of the most common (and costly) assumptions business owners make about importing—and how those mistakes can quietly erode margins, create compliance risk, and lead to serious problems with U.S. Customs.

If you’re importing—or thinking about it—this is a must-listen.

📌 What You’ll Learn

Why your supplier is not responsible for your compliance

How duty rates have shifted from predictable to volatile

The real role of a customs broker (and what they don’t own)

Why bad data = compliant filings… that are still wrong

How small mistakes can turn into costly enforcement issues

🔑 Key Takeaways
1. Your Supplier Does NOT Handle Everything
Many importers assume their overseas supplier manages the process.

Reality:

The supplier’s priority is getting paid

You are the Importer of Record

You are accountable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection

If documentation is wrong—valuation, country of origin, product description—you own the consequences.

“Your supplier may ship the goods—but you own the risk.”

2. Duties Are No Longer Predictable
What used to be a stable, forecastable cost is now a moving target.

Tariffs and trade policies change rapidly

Sourcing decisions directly impact duty exposure

Long purchasing cycles increase risk

“Duty used to be a line item. Now it’s a variable you have to actively manage.”

3. Compliance Is NOT Your Broker’s Job
Hiring a broker does not transfer liability.

Brokers file based on the data you provide

They facilitate compliance—but don’t own it

Incorrect data = correctly filed… but still wrong

“Customs holds the importer accountable—not the broker.”

⚠️ Real-World Risk
Even when no one is trying to cut corners:

Miscommunication with suppliers

Last-minute product changes

Incorrect documentation

…can result in:

Shipment delays

Exams or holds

Seizures

Long-term compliance issues

🧠 The Bigger Insight
All three mistakes come down to one thing:

👉 Misunderstanding responsibility

Importing is not passive.

The companies that succeed:

Maintain internal oversight

Understand classification and documentation

Treat trade as a controlled process—not a transaction

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

Business owners importing goods

E-commerce sellers sourcing overseas

Small to mid-size importers

Anyone new to international trade

📣 Mentioned in This Episode

National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA Conference)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Credits
Hosts:

Lalo Solorzano

Andy Shiles

Guests:

Anand Raghavendran – KYG Trade

Gagan Bhasin – VAO

Produced by: Global Training Center

📢 Subscribe & Follow
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Trade Geeks Community

Hosts

Renee Chiuchiarelli

Julie Parks

Published
April 2026

Episode Length
~10 minutes

🎯 Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade Tips: Hammer & Heels, Renee and Julie continue their Tactical vs. Strategic series by focusing on the how.

If the last episode defined the difference…
this one answers the real question:

👉 How do you actually build a more strategic, mature trade organization?

From stabilizing operations to introducing KPIs and redefining roles, this episode lays out a practical roadmap for evolving beyond reactive, tactical work into a proactive, value-driving function.

🔑 Key Takeaways
1. Start with a Clear End-State Vision
Before making changes, define:

Your problem statement (e.g., too much manual work, rework, delays)

Your future state (automation, efficiency, reduced firefighting)

👉 Clarity drives alignment.

2. Stabilize Your Operations First
You can’t build strategy on chaos.

Focus on:

Clean master data

Classification governance

Standard broker instructions

Documented SOPs (and keep them updated!)

Controls to prevent repeat errors

3. Eliminate Manual Work (Quick Wins Matter)
Look for opportunities to:

Automate screening and validation checks

Replace email approvals with system controls

Implement exception-based workflows

💡 Small wins create momentum—and buy-in.

4. Define Roles with a RACI Framework
Separate tactical vs. strategic responsibilities:

Shift transactional work to:

Brokers

Shared services

Create roles focused on:

Analytics

Optimization

Strategy

👉 Not everything belongs in trade. Know your boundaries.

5. Introduce Metrics That Show Value
Move beyond activity tracking to impact measurement:

Duty savings & cost avoidance

Free Trade Agreement utilization (e.g., USMCA)

Error rate reduction (first-time accuracy)

Cycle time improvements

Audit readiness / risk metrics

📊 Measure over time—this is where transformation becomes visible.

6. Think Like a Strategic Leader
Strategic trade leaders:

Remove roadblocks

Translate regulations into business decisions

Speak in financial and operational impact

Influence sourcing and supply chain early

Build dashboards (not just spreadsheets)

Design compliance into systems

👉 This is where trade becomes a business driver—not just a function.

7. Use Quick Wins to Drive Change
Examples:

Eliminate recurring manual tasks

Reassign non-trade work (like track & trace)

Implement broker scorecards

Pilot automation or controls

🎉 And don’t forget to celebrate progress.

💡 FIO (Figure It Out) – This Week’s Challenge
Take a step back and assess your organization:

List the tasks your team performs

Survey how much time is spent on each

Identify:

% of time spent on tactical vs. strategic work

Time spent during shipment vs. pre/post (the “bookends”)

👉 This exercise will reveal your true maturity level—and where to focus next.

💬 Join the Conversation
How much of your team’s time is spent firefighting vs. driving strategy?

Have you tried a time study or implemented KPIs that changed your organization?

👉 Join the discussion in the Trade Geeks Community and share your FIO!

Credits
Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli
https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-chiuchiarelli-lcb-ccs-8964a19/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

Julie Parks
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ann-parks/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

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Presented by:
Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals.
👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

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Host: Annik Sobing
Guest: Benita Lee, Certified Customs Specialist (U.S. and Canada)
Published: April 2026
Length: ~20 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

ICPA After the Conference: Building Community, Sharing Ideas, and Preparing for What’s Next

In this post-ICPA conversation, Annik sits down with Benita Lee, an independent consultant and trade compliance strategist, to reflect on the energy, diversity, and value of the ICPA San Antonio conference and why this community continues to matter for trade professionals across import, export, supply chain, and government relations. Together, they talk about how the conference brings together practitioners, legal experts, tech leaders, students, and even investors to share real-world perspectives on tariffs, refunds, AI, and the changing trade landscape.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why ICPA matters

ICPA is more than a conference—it’s a place where trade professionals connect, learn, and build a stronger community.

Benita and Annik talk about how the event helps break the isolation many people feel in customs and compliance roles.

The San Antonio conference experience

This year’s conference was described as the largest and most diverse yet, with strong attendance, active booth traffic, and meaningful conversation across tracks.

Attendees included legal counsel, compliance professionals, Big Four alumni, tech-minded practitioners, and newer voices entering the industry.

AI and practical use cases

A key conference theme was AI in trade compliance, with sessions focused on practical use cases instead of fear-based “replacement” talk.

Benita highlights the value of these sessions in showing how AI can support existing work, not eliminate the need for expertise.

Student engagement and career development

The conference welcomed students and scholarship recipients, reinforcing ICPA’s role in helping the next generation find mentors and learn the trade path.

Benita points to sessions like “Advancing Your Career” with Laila Landis as must-see content for both students and experienced professionals.

Canada conference perspective

The upcoming ICPA Canada conference in June is a different lens on trade, especially given Canada’s export relationship with the U.S. and the current political tension.

Benita explains why Canadian practitioners benefit from seeing both the U.S. and Canadian sides of the trade equation and how ICPA helps keep the conversation practical rather than political.

Connections and collaboration

A recurring theme of the episode is that trade is solved through connections—meeting the right people, asking questions, and finding the experts who can help.

Benita emphasizes that ICPA makes it easy to engage, network, and find mentors, which can dramatically shorten the learning curve in your career.

Upcoming ICPA Events Mentioned

ICPA Canada: June 7–9, 2026.

ICPA Dresden: April 8–10, 2026.

ICPA Grapevine, Texas: September 13–15, 2026

Listen & Subscribe

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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/

Host: Cindy Allen
Published: April 3, 2026
Length: ~15 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
In this week’s episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen breaks down a major shift in trade operations as CBP moves closer to launching the CAPE system for IEEPA duty refunds—while at the same time, new Section 232 actions signal that trade enforcement is far from slowing down.

CBP has indicated it is on track for an April 20 rollout of CAPE, with key components nearing completion. However, Phase 1 will only cover certain entries, leaving many importers navigating critical decisions around protests and timing.

At the same time, new developments in pharmaceutical tariffs and steel and aluminum revisions suggest that, despite recent legal challenges, trade enforcement is evolving—not retreating.

Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Begin Again, Cindy walks through why this moment feels less like closure—and more like the start of a new phase in global trade compliance.

This Week in Trade
• CBP signals April 20 target for CAPE rollout tied to IEEPA refunds
• Phase 1 expected to cover ~63% of entries, excluding many already liquidated cases
• Judge highlights importers’ right to file protests, raising strategic considerations
• Strait of Hormuz disruptions continue to create supply chain uncertainty
• No movement on key legislation including First Sale and Foreign Importer of Record rules

IEEPA Refunds & CAPE: Where Things Stand
CBP continues to make progress toward launching CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries):

• Claim portal (~85% complete)
• Mass processing of entries (~60% complete)
• Review and liquidation (~80% complete)
• Refund processing (~75% complete)

Phase 1 will:
• Focus on unliquidated entries and those within voluntary reliquidation windows
• Exclude fully liquidated entries, protests, drawback, and certain AD/CVD cases

⏱️ Timeline:
• Target launch: ~April 20
• Estimated processing: up to 45 days post-launch

Section 232: We’re “Beginning Again”
This week brought significant new developments under Section 232:

Pharmaceutical Tariffs
• 100% duty on name-brand pharmaceuticals
• Generics excluded
• Implementation expected within 180 days

Key complexity:
• Importers must now identify brand vs. generic at entry
• Multiple exemptions and reduced rates tied to reshoring and trade agreements

Steel & Aluminum Updates
• 50% duty remains for core steel/aluminum products
• 25% duty on derivative products (full value)
• New de minimis exemption for products with <15% steel/aluminum by weight

These updates simplify some calculations—but may increase duty exposure for many importers.

Key Takeaways
• CAPE is progressing—but refunds will be phased and complex
• Importers should evaluate protest strategies carefully
• Trade enforcement is not slowing—it’s resetting and expanding
• Section 232 is entering a new operational phase
• Compliance will require more detailed product-level data than ever before

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Cindy Allen – LinkedIn
• Global Training Center

• Global Training Center on LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Trade Geeks Community