Simply Trade

Host: Cindy AllenGuests: Heather Litman & Sandra Langford-Coty
Show: Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version
Published: February 6, 2026
Length: ~13 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Long Live: Celebrating Trade Wins with Your Industry Crew

Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, delivers this week’s rapid-fire trade update through the lens of Taylor Swift’s “Long Live”—a song about shared victories and the bonds that make them possible. From congressional pushback on exclusions to critical minerals zones and a surprising U.S.-China thaw, Cindy breaks down what happened and what’s next.​

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Express Carrier Bill faces pushback
Peter Navarro publicly opposes the bill for simplified clearance parity with USPS, calling de minimis a zombie issue that “won’t die.”​

Congress demands exclusion transparency
Senator Wyden’s letter calls the Section 232 exclusion process secretive and confusing—good news that Congress may step in for importers/exporters.​

USMCA hearing next week
Senate Finance Committee will hear from pro-trade voices and domestic industry reps—watch for outcomes that could impact the agreement.​

EU moves fast on U.S. trade deal
EU Parliament takes up negotiations internally to beat deadlines and avoid tariff retaliation seen with other countries.​

HTS updates published
International Trade Commission released food/pharma changes effective February 1—check if you’re impacted via the International Trade Administration.​

Critical minerals preferential zone
Administration (led by VP JD Vance) exploring enforceable price floors at every production stage—no details yet.​

India IEPA tariff reductions pending
Rumored drop from 50% total to 18%, but no Federal Register notice or CSMS message yet—stay tuned for implementation guidance.​

U.S.-China relations thaw?
Administration calls recent talks “extremely good,” signaling stability for China importers after a year of mixed signals.​

Why “Long Live”?
Cindy ties the week’s developments to “Long Live,” focusing on celebrating successes with friends—especially critical now when industry networks help navigate chaos. Conferences and associations aren’t just for learning; they’re where you build the relationships that get you through volatile times.​

Key Takeaways:

Momentum is building for more congressional oversight on exclusion processes—positive for transparency.​

Check HTS food/pharma updates immediately if affected; they’re already live.​

Critical minerals zone and India tariff details will drop soon—track Federal Register and CSMS closely.​

U.S.-China tone shift could mean stability, but verify with primary sources before adjusting strategy.​

Build your trade network now—when rules change monthly, friends in the industry are your real compliance superpower.​

 

Presented by: Global Training Center​

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Podcast page: https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/simply-trade-podcast​

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Join the Trade Geeks Community

Trade Geeks (by Global Training Center): https://globaltrainingcenter.com/trade-geeks/

Hosts
Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks

Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee and Julie dive deeper into the intersection of trade and technology, focusing on how automation is reshaping import and export filing. From data ingestion and rules-based validation to AI-powered audit trails and workflow automation, they unpack where technology adds value—and where human judgment is still essential.

This conversation makes one thing clear: automation isn’t about replacing trade professionals—it’s about eliminating rework, improving accuracy, and exposing bad data faster. Renee and Julie also explore how governments are leveraging AI and machine learning at scale, raising the stakes for importers and exporters to modernize their compliance processes.

Key Topics Covered

Why most filing errors come from disconnected systems, not bad intent

Where automation shows up in customs declarations:

Data ingestion from ERP, supplier, and logistics systems

Rules-based validation (HS, origin, value checks)

AI-driven document digitization and data extraction

Different automation models in trade:

Customs filing platforms

Global Trade Management (GTM) systems

Broker-provided technology and hybrid outsource models

APIs vs. EDI and the evolution of data exchange

The role of AI and machine learning in:

Pattern recognition

Risk detection

Audit readiness and version control

How governments are using advanced technology to:

Screen transactions in real time

Apply compliance more consistently across ports

Why automation accelerates good decisions—but exposes bad master data even faster

Key Takeaways

Automation improves consistency and speed, but does not replace regulatory judgment

Clean master data remains critical—technology can’t fix broken inputs

Leveraging broker technology can be a smart option for companies with limited budgets

Importers and exporters must modernize to keep pace with government enforcement tools

AI should be viewed as a strategic ally, not a threat, in trade compliance

This Week’s FIO (Figure It Out)
Pick one area of your trade process—classification, filing, auditing, FTAs, or document management—and kick the tires on automation.

Request a demo

Explore how AI could reduce rework

Evaluate whether broker, GTM, or hybrid models make sense for your organization

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s understanding what’s possible.

Join the Conversation
Head over to the Trade Geeks Community and tell us:

What area of automation are you exploring?

What surprised you most about today’s discussion?

Credits
Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli
Julie Parks

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

 Subscribe & Follow
New Simply Trade Tips episodes drop every Tuesday.

Presented by:
Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals.

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Trade Geeks Community

💬 Don’t forget to rate, review & share with your fellow trade geeks!

Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?
📧 [email protected]
🐦 Twitter/X: @SimplyTradePod

Host: Annik Sobing
Guests: Elisabeth Sherrell, Alicia Bryant, Kelsey Moraski
Published: February 2026
Length: ~30 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Partnership with ICPA 

ICPA Compliance Corazón: Community, Careers, and a Fiesta of Global Trade

In this special Simply Trade Roundup, Annik sits down with ICPA’s new executive director, Elisabeth Sherrell, and board members Alicia Bryant and Kelsey Moraski to talk about what makes ICPA such a unique home for trade compliance professionals—and what to expect at the 2026 ICPA Annual Conference, “Compliance Corazón: Fiesta of Global Trade,” in San Antonio. From career-defining connections to real-world problem solving over breakfast, this episode shines a light on the people, purpose, and heart behind ICPA.​

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Who’s who at ICPA now

Meet new executive director Elisabeth Sherrell and board members Alicia Bryant (Edgewell Personal Care) and Kelsey Moraski (global trade, supply chain, and risk).

Why each of them joined the ICPA board and how they see the mission evolving.​

Why ICPA matters for your career

How attending ICPA conferences helped Alicia earn her customs broker license and expand her role into broker auditing, FTAs, and classification.

Why Kelsey calls ICPA one of the few places where people truly understand the real risk and gray areas compliance professionals live in every day.​

Inside the 2026 ICPA Annual Conference – San Antonio

Dates: March 1–4, 2026 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio on the River Walk.

Theme: “Compliance Corazón – Fiesta of Global Trade” with a strong focus on community, culture, and practical problem solving.

Content highlights: deep dives on Canada (including CARM and current China‑related developments), regional customs updates (e.g., Latin America sessions led by experts like Brenda Cordova), technology and AI in trade compliance, and navigating today’s “most exciting and challenging” era for trade.​

Registration is still open, but the hotel is smaller and spots are filling fast, with many attendees registering in the last 45 days. Virtual attendance remains an option for those who cannot travel.​

Culture, community, and the “Voices of Compliance”

How ICPA grew from an idea shared by Elisabeth’s mom and co‑founder Linda into a global community where people show up for each other—professionally and personally.

Plans to honor Elisabeth’s mother in San Antonio with a memorial moment and a new Voices of Compliance performance: a rewritten “Deep in the Heart of Texas” celebrating tariffs and trade (yes, with audience clapping).​

Stories of members supporting each other through life events and why “compliance with heart” isn’t just a tagline.​

Problem solving in person

Why the real magic of ICPA happens in the hallways and at breakfast tables: people bring real problems, not just citations, and work through them together.

Kelsey’s Alex Honnold analogy: compliance pros as the climbers who truly understand the risk, and ICPA as the rare room where everyone “speaks the same language.”​

Building the next generation of trade professionals

How ICPA is actively bringing students and early‑career professionals into the fold, including full conference scholarships (like for student Jake Boggs, who left with multiple job offers).

Elisabeth’s 20‑year vision: seeing “trade compliance professional” standing alongside firefighter and nurse on career day—and why she wants to introduce more young people to this path.​

Hot topics Alicia and Kelsey are watching at ICPA

Technology and AI: why you can’t just “slap tech” on broken processes—garbage in, garbage out—and how companies are really rolling out tools in compliance.

Volatility and gray areas: how different companies are interpreting risk, handling USMCA changes, and navigating fast‑moving geopolitical shifts, especially in Canada and beyond.​

ICPA Conference Details

2026 ICPA Annual Conference – Compliance Corazón: Fiesta of Global Trade

Dates: March 1–4, 2026

Location: Grand Hyatt San Antonio, River Walk

Format: In‑person with virtual option

Focus: Practical sessions, regional experts, technology, risk, and a strong emphasis on networking, mentorship, and community.​

ICPA Europe Conference

Location: Dresden Germany, April 8-10, Hilton ​

Credits
Host: Annik Sobing
Guests: Elisabeth Sherrell, Alicia Bryant, Kelsey Moraski
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

Questions about ICPA or the conference? Reach out to ICPA leadership or message us and we’ll connect you.

Host: Cindy Allen
Show: Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version
Published: January 30, 2026
Length: ~13 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Exile: Is the U.S. Being Traded Around?

In this week’s Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, unpacks one of the busiest weeks we’ve seen in international trade—and frames it all through the lens of Taylor Swift’s song “Exile.” From fresh tariff threats to shifting alliances and possible government shutdowns, Cindy explains why it’s starting to feel like the United States is watching global trade move on without us.​

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

New U.S. tariff threats tied to Cuban oil

Announcement of tariffs on countries that sell or buy oil from Cuba and why this may largely hit usual suspects like Venezuela and Russia.​

Trade partners going “around” the U.S.

How the UK’s outreach to China and Canada’s new deal with China signal a trend of countries pursuing their own economic interests directly with Beijing.​

Canada under pressure—again

Trump’s 100% tariff threat on Canadian goods over the China deal and the newer threat to decertify Canadian-made jets until Gulfstream aircraft are certified in Canada—and why both moves raise legal and practical questions.​

Shifting tariff landscapes

Guatemala and El Salvador trade deals and expected rate ranges.

Possible hike back to 25% on South Korean goods if their trade deal isn’t approved.

Potential rollback of the 25% tariff on India tied to Russian oil purchases.​

232 duties and a big valuation court fight

Why CBP centers are informally pushing an “all-in” cost model (materials, labor, manufacturing) for steel, aluminum, and now copper derivatives—and how that conflicts with the 232 declaration language.

The new Court of International Trade case challenging that interpretation and what it could mean for importers paying 232 on components.

Why many companies are considering filing protests now to preserve their rights pending the outcome—and why you need to talk to your own counsel.​

ACE refunds are coming—ready or not

Electronic refunds are set to go live February 6.

What importers need to do with their brokers and 4811 setup, and why brokers must confirm their own information is on file in ACE.

The big question: what happens to refunds if the setup is incomplete?​

EU deal on pause

Why the EU is putting its U.S. deal “on hold” and how that could trigger a return to higher tariffs if the U.S. responds like it has with South Korea.​

Hill updates: express couriers and DHS funding

A new bill proposal for simplified declarations on express shipments under 600 dollars, and what it could mean if you use or compete with express couriers.

The looming DHS/CBP funding issue, the likelihood of a shutdown, and what a shutdown typically means for cargo processing versus outreach and meetings.​

Why “Exile”?
Cindy connects the week’s news to “Exile,” focusing on the line, “You were my town, now I’m in exile seeing you out.” She explores how U.S. policy is driven by a belief that the country has been taken advantage of and needs to re-shore manufacturing and secure critical sectors, while much of the world sees it as a pullback from free trade and trade facilitation that once underpinned global stability.​

By contrasting these two perspectives—like the two voices in the song—Cindy argues the U.S. risks finding itself “in exile” as trade partners build new frameworks around us, and warns that we’ve “seen this film before” in history with outcomes that weren’t ideal.​

Key Takeaways:

Expect more volatility in tariffs and trade relationships as the U.S. pushes assertive trade tools and partners seek alternative paths.​

Importers dealing with 232 duties on steel, aluminum, and copper inputs should closely watch the new court case and coordinate with counsel on protest strategy.​

ACE electronic refunds are an opportunity and a risk—data and 4811 setups must be right to avoid missing money you’re owed.​

Even in a shutdown, cargo should keep moving, but engagement with CBP and DHS will be limited.​

Strategically, the U.S. may be drifting into a kind of trade “exile”—and it’s critical for companies to understand both the domestic narrative and how the rest of the world is reacting.

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Presented by: Global Training Center​

Listen & Subscribe

Simply Trade main page: https://simplytrade.podbean.com​

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690​

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq​

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8de7d7fa-38e0-41b2-bad3-b8a3c5dc4cda/simply-trade​

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/

​

Hosts:

Andy Shiles

Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):

Jack Moberger, Co-Founder, DocUnlock

Ned Cartmell, Co-Founder, DocUnlock

Sepehr Fakour, Co-Founder, DocUnlock

Published: January 2026
Length: ~40 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade, Andy and Lalo sit down with the founders of DocUnlock to explore one of the most painful realities in global trade: document chaos.

From commercial invoices and packing lists to certificates, statements, and agency-specific requirements, trade compliance still lives in PDFs, emails, spreadsheets, and inboxes. Jack, Ned, and Sepehr break down how DocUnlock is using AI to extract, structure, validate, and operationalize trade documents — turning static paperwork into usable compliance data.

The conversation dives into real-world brokerage and importer pain points, why “document accuracy” is no longer enough, and how automation is shifting expectations across customs, PGAs, and supply chain partners. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dealing with high-volume imports, broker workflows, or compliance teams stretched thin.

Key Takeaways

Trade compliance is still dominated by unstructured documents — and that’s the bottleneck.

AI can extract and normalize data without replacing trade expertise.

Document automation reduces risk, speeds releases, and improves audit readiness.

Brokers and importers benefit differently — but both win when documents are usable data.

The future of compliance isn’t fewer documents — it’s smarter ones.

What DocUnlock Is Solving

Commercial invoices & packing lists

Certificates & trade declarations

Broker-importer document handoffs

Audit readiness & data traceability

Scaling compliance without scaling headcount

Resources & Mentions

DocUnlock – AI-powered trade document automation
👉 https://www.docunlock.com

Jack Moberger, Co-Founder, DocUnlock
👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmoberger/

Ned Cartmell, Co-Founder, DocUnlock
👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-cartmell-91179711/

Sepehr Fakour, Co-Founder, DocUnlock
👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sepehr-f/

Global Training Center – Trade & compliance education
👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/

Credits
Hosts:

Andy Shiles – https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/

Lalo Solorzano – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmoberger/

Ned Cartmell (DocUnlock) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-cartmell-91179711/

Sepehr Fakour (DocUnlock) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sepehr-f/

Produced by:

Global Training Center – https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/

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