Simply Trade

Episode: Simply Trade #413 Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Alex Martin, Transfer Pricing Specialist, KBKG Published: December 18, 2025 Length: ~37 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Episode Summary Tariffs have changed everything — and many companies are still missing the second-order effects. In this episode, Andy and Lalo sit down with Alex Martin of KBKG to unpack one of the most misunderstood (and increasingly risky) intersections in global trade: transfer pricing and customs valuation. As tariffs rise from single digits to 25%, 50%, and beyond, decisions once made solely by tax or finance teams now carry massive customs consequences. Alex explains how multinational companies are getting “whipsawed” between Customs and the IRS — one pushing values up for duty, the other pushing values down for income tax. This conversation makes one thing crystal clear: customs, tax, finance, and compliance can no longer operate in silos. Whether you’re an importer, trade compliance professional, CFO, or tax leader, this episode highlights why cross-functional coordination is now essential — not optional. Key Takeaways Transfer pricing impacts both customs duties and income tax — often in conflicting ways Rising tariffs have turned valuation into a material financial risk, not an academic exercise Customs looks at transactions line-by-line, while tax authorities focus on annual results CFOs and tax directors must now actively engage with trade compliance teams Poor coordination can increase audit risk, cash-flow pressure, and margin erosion Programs like FTZs, bonded warehouses, drawback, and cost bifurcation can help mitigate exposure Asking for transfer pricing documentation is a powerful first step for trade teams Who Needs to Be at the Table? This episode stresses the importance of assembling a multi-disciplinary team, including: Trade Compliance Tax & Transfer Pricing Finance / CFO leadership Accounting (AP / AR) Pricing & Sourcing International affiliates and parent companies If tariffs have changed your margins, they’ve already changed your tax picture — whether you’ve addressed it or not.   🔍 Transfer Pricing Insights from Alex Martin (KBKG) Strategic transfer pricing adjustments can reduce customs duties by lowering inventory values and separating non-dutiable management fees Many companies overlook the income tax benefits of transfer pricing, especially when foreign entities are profitable while U.S. operations show losses Transfer pricing changes can significantly lower a company’s global effective tax rate when aligned correctly KBKG regularly hosts transfer pricing education sessions to help trade professionals understand intercompany pricing from a tax perspective KBKG also supports companies with R&D tax credits, cost segregation, and green energy incentives, alongside transfer pricing services Learn more: Article: Higher Tariffs Are on the Way https://www.kbkg.com/feature/higher-tariffs-are-on-the-way Free Webinar (CPA Academy): Transfer Pricing & Tariff Savings Strategies https://www.cpaacademy.org/s/webinar/a0DQh00000ZyzPXMAZ/transfer-pricing-and-tariff-savings-strategies Article: Higher Tariffs Are on the Way https://www.kbkg.com/feature/higher-tariffs-are-on-the-way Free Webinar (CPA Academy): Transfer Pricing & Tariff Savings Strategies https://www.cpaacademy.org/s/webinar/a0DQh00000ZyzPXMAZ/transfer-pricing-and-tariff-savings-strategies   📚 Resources & Mentions KBKG – Transfer Pricing & Tax Advisory https://www.kbkg.com/ Alex Martin – LinkedIn Alex Marting YouTube videos U.S. Customs Valuation Methods (WTO / CBP) https://www.cbp.gov/trade/valuation IRS Transfer Pricing Overview (Section 482) https://www.irs.gov/businesses/international-businesses/transfer-pricing Global Training Center – Customs Valuation E-Learning Course https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/ Foreign Trade Zones (U.S. FTZ Board) https://www.trade.gov/foreign-trade-zones 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community: LinkedIn – Global Training Center https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast YouTube – Simply Trade Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Spotify – Simply Trade https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Apple Podcasts – Simply Trade https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Trade Geeks Community https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast  

Episode: NCBFAA Counsel Update: What Trade Professionals Must Prepare for in 2026 (Final Episode in the NCBFAA 4-Part Special Series) Guest Host & Moderator: Laurie Arnold Secretary, National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) Panelists: Nicole Bivens-Collinson — Legislative Advisor, NCBFAA Cindy Thomas — Counsel, Partner Government Agencies Ashley Craig — Transportation Counsel Lenny Feldman — Customs & Trade Counsel Published: December 17, 2026 Length: ~50 min. Presented by: Global Training Center Episode Summary This episode concludes Simply Trade’s four-part special collaboration with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), with NCBFAA hosting its own in-depth legal roundtable focused on what trade professionals must prepare for in 2026. Moderated by Laurie Arnold, Secretary of NCBFAA, this candid discussion brings together the association’s legal counsel to unpack legislative priorities, regulatory uncertainty, enforcement trends, and agency staffing challenges impacting customs brokers, freight forwarders, and the broader trade community. From tariff volatility and BIS rulemaking to FMC enforcement, PGA staffing shortages, and heightened CBP scrutiny, this final episode provides practical guidance and forward-looking insight for navigating an increasingly complex compliance environment. Key Learnings & Themes 1. Legislative Outlook for 2026 Nicole Bivens-Collinson highlights legislative activity to monitor closely, including: Potential restrictions on non-resident importers acting as importers of record The proposed ADAPT Act, designed to curb last-minute tariff changes by requiring advance notice and implementation timelines NCBFAA continues advocating for policy that is predictable, transparent, and operationally realistic for the trade community. 2. PGA Engagement Amid Staffing Losses Cindy Thomas explains how Partner Government Agencies are experiencing: Accelerated retirements and buyouts Loss of institutional knowledge Inconsistent enforcement and communication Despite these challenges, agencies increasingly rely on NCBFAA to help communicate policy changes clearly and consistently to the trade community. 3. BIS 50% Rule: Paused, Not Eliminated Ashley Craig discusses the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) 50% rule, currently suspended for one year: The rule is expected to return in some form Congressional intervention remains possible Due diligence expectations on intermediaries continue to grow The panel stresses that this pause should be used to prepare — not delay. 4. FMC Enforcement & Transportation Risk Ashley also outlines increasing enforcement activity by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), including: Heightened scrutiny of tariffs and service contracts Significant recent penalties Ongoing regulatory uncertainty driven by staffing changes Transportation compliance remains a key risk area heading into 2026. 5. Tariffs, CBP Enforcement & Revenue Collection Lenny Feldman provides insight into: Aggressive CBP enforcement tied to tariff programs Significant increases in duty collections through entry summary reviews Elevated penalty exposure without mitigation strategies He emphasizes proactive compliance, internal reviews, and preparation before CBP initiates enforcement actions. 6. Practical Steps Trade Professionals Must Take Now Panelists recommend: Ensuring importers maintain active ACE Portal access Monitoring liquidation timelines and protest deadlines Reviewing valuation, classification, and origin methodologies Updating broker terms & conditions and powers of attorney Conducting internal compliance reviews proactively Preparation is no longer optional — it is essential. Key Takeaways Enforcement is increasing across CBP, BIS, FMC, and PGAs Legislative and regulatory volatility is the new normal NCBFAA advocacy plays a critical role in shaping workable policy Brokers and forwarders are more essential than ever as compliance partners Proactive strategy consistently outperforms reactive defense Resources Mentioned Organizations & Agencies National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Trade & Compliance Topics ACE Portal (Automated Commercial Environment) Section 232, 301, and 201 Tariffs BIS 50% Rule BIS Affiliate Rule ADAPT Act (Proposed) Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 Credits Guest Host & Moderator: Laurie Arnold — Secretary, NCBFAA Panelists: Nicole Bivens-Collinson — Legislative Advisor, NCBFAA Cindy Thomas — Counsel, Partner Government Agencies Ashley Craig — Transportation Counsel Lenny Feldman — Customs & Trade Counsel Presented by: Global Training Center Global Training Center on LinkedIn Subscribe & Follow Simply Trade YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Trade Geeks Community

Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks Series: Difficult Conversations (Episode 3) Format: Trade Tip Tuesday | Hammer & Heels Length: ~8 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center 🔍 Episode Summary In this Trade Tip Tuesday episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks continue their Difficult Conversations series by shifting perspectives — from the pitcher to the catcher. Not every tough conversation is initiated by you. Sometimes, you’re on the receiving end — caught off guard, underprepared, or unsure how to respond in the moment. This episode provides a practical framework to help trade professionals listen, respond, and lead with clarity when they’re the ones being approached. Using the same GGCC acronym introduced in the previous episode, Renee and Julie walk through how to apply it when you’re the listener, ensuring difficult discussions remain productive, respectful, and solutions-focused. 🧠 Key Learnings When you’re the catcher in a difficult conversation, use the GGCC framework: G — Gratitude Acknowledge the conversation and thank the other person for bringing the issue forward. G — Gravity Recognize the seriousness of the issue and validate the weight of the concern being shared. C — Clarify & Commit Listen fully, reflect back what you heard, and commit to working toward a resolution — even if the answer isn’t immediate. C — Closing (Consider, Comply, or Reject) Be honest and transparent about next steps. You may need time to consider, you may comply immediately, or — in rare cases — reject the request after thoughtful evaluation. 📌 Why This Matters in Trade In trade compliance, logistics, customs, and global operations, difficult conversations are unavoidable — from resource constraints and compliance gaps to performance concerns and project pressures. How you receive these conversations is just as important as how you initiate them. This framework helps: Reduce defensiveness Build trust and credibility Create space for thoughtful, compliant decision-making Strengthen leadership communication skills 🧩 FIO (Figure It Out) — This Week’s Action Item Take a moment to pause and take inventory. Ask yourself: What difficult conversations might be coming my way? What issues may be bubbling up in my team or organization? Where could someone need clarity, support, or a decision from me? Being mentally prepared — even without knowing specifics — allows you to respond with intention instead of reaction. Once you’ve done your FIO, head into the Trade Geeks Community and let us know how it went. 👉 Trade Geeks Community 🔗 Keep the Conversation Going This episode builds directly on the previous discussion about being the pitcher. Be sure to listen to both — and don’t miss the upcoming role-play episode where Renee and Julie bring both perspectives together. 🎧 Credits Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli Julie Parks Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📣 Subscribe & Follow 🗓️ New Simply Trade Tips episodes every Tuesday LinkedIn – Simply Trade Podcast YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals. 👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast 💬 Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Ideas? 📧 [email protected] 🐦 DM us on X/Twitter: @SimplyTradePod Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

Host: Annik Sobing Guest: John Petitte, Co‑Founder at Trade Insight AI Length: ~27 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center GTC Course Details:  Mergers & Acquisitions Course In this Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing sits down with tech entrepreneur John Petitte to explore what really happens when technology meets trade. Coming from a software and AI background—not customs or logistics, John shares an “outsider” view on how critical, yet invisible, the trade compliance world is, and why it’s such a powerful use case for modern AI tools. The conversation covers how he and co‑founder Hal first targeted classification, where AI genuinely works today, and why current “agent” hype doesn’t match on‑the‑ground adoption. Together, they unpack the difference between true productivity gains and marketing promises, why large language models fit text‑heavy work like trade compliance and law, and how small firms can use AI to punch above their weight instead of fearing job loss. Annik and John also dig into where AI is (and isn’t) a good fit—from code and internal tools to art, music, and marketing—and what trade professionals should focus on as 2026 approaches. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How a technologist first discovered trade compliance and saw opportunity in classification Why trade is “hypercritical” to daily life yet largely invisible to the public The gap between AI/agent hype and actual business adoption and ROI The difference between large language models and other AI types (e.g., world models, robotics) Why text‑heavy fields like trade compliance, law, and coding are prime candidates for LLMs Practical examples of where AI already saves hours per week (e.g., internal tools, newsletters) Why regulators still expect human “reasonable care” between AI outputs and government filings How small brokers, consultants, and firms can use AI to compete with much larger players Strategic tips for picking specific, narrow use cases instead of trying to “AI everything” Key Takeaways AI in trade is best used for focused, well‑defined tasks—not as a magic “replace everything” button. Compliance remains insulated from full automation because regulators still require human oversight. Small firms that ignore AI risk falling further behind large players who are already exploring it. Understanding which type of AI you’re using (and why) is essential to getting real value, not just buzz. Credits Host: Annik Sobing Guest: John Petitte Producer: Annik Sobing 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

Host: Cindy Allen Published: December 12 Length: ~11 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center In this “Cindy’s Version” news roundup, Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, uses Taylor Swift’s “Delicate” as the backdrop for a candid look at how fragile global trade feels right now. She walks through the latest data points on slowing U.S. imports, resilient China–world trade flows, and small-business confidence, then zooms in on a new Section 301 case against Nicaragua and what it signals about future trade actions. Cindy also breaks down a recent Cato Institute report on effective U.S. duty rates, showing how average tariffs have climbed far above historic norms and why pre‑tariff stockpiling temporarily masks the true cost picture. She explains the mounting complexity of stacked tariffs, derivative duties, and the end of de minimis, as well as the uncertainty created by ongoing 232 and IEEPA actions and the landmark Supreme Court case. Throughout, she stresses how this volatility affects planning, hiring, and cash flow for importers and exporters—leaving many in a “delicate” position heading into the new year.   Key Takeaways Average U.S. duty rates are far above pre‑tariff levels, and the true burden is still emerging. Legal strategy around injunctions and refund rights is now central to trade risk management. Tariff complexity and uncertainty have their own price tag—in planning, inventory, and talent. For many companies, 2025 planning is less about perfect forecasts and more about building resilience in a very “delicate” trade environment. Credits Host: Cindy Allen, TradeForce Multiplier Subscribe & Follow New “Cindy’s Version” trade roundups periodically. 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