Simply Trade

Trade & Tech Series – Episode 4

Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks
Hammer and Heels

Length: ~12 minutes
Format: Simply Trade Tips (Trade & Tech series)

Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks dive into the evolving role of audit automation in global trade compliance — and why traditional, reactive auditing models are no longer enough.

With increased enforcement focus from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice, companies can no longer rely on trust-based assertions or post-liquidation corrections. Instead, trade compliance is shifting from passive, after-the-fact reviews to active, continuous validation powered by technology and AI.

Renee and Julie break down how automated audit controls can help companies defend tariff positions, validate origin and classification claims, and identify risk before it becomes an enforcement issue — all while freeing human auditors to focus on higher-value analysis.

Key Topics Covered

Why audit programs are now a regulatory expectation, not a “nice to have”

DOJ and CBP enforcement priorities impacting import compliance

The limits of traditional sample-based audits and post-liquidation fixes

What audit automation really means in trade compliance

Using technology to continuously validate:

Classification

Valuation

Country of origin

FTA eligibility

Trade remedy exposure

How ERP data changes can impact compliance in real time

The importance of defensibility over perfection

Why AI doesn’t replace judgment — it enhances it

Data readiness: understanding what data you actually have before deploying AI tools

Key Takeaways

Compliance today is about proof, not assertions

Regulators don’t expect zero errors — they expect reasonable, documented controls

Audit automation helps identify risk before entry finalization or liquidation

Technology enables trade teams to review more data with fewer resources

Human auditors are still critical — automation removes low-value tasks so they can focus on what matters most

Defensible audit programs protect both the company and leadership

This Episode’s FIO (Figure It Out)
Pause and kick the tires on audit automation.

Identify one provider or tool

Understand what comparisons they can run using your existing data

Evaluate what low-hanging fruit automation can remove from your auditors’ workload

Use technology to enhance — not replace — human expertise

Even testing one tool can reshape how you think about audit readiness and defensibility.

Join the Conversation
How are you auditing your trade data today?
Are you still relying on samples and spreadsheets — or moving toward continuous validation?

Join the discussion in the Trade Geeks Community and let us know how you’re approaching audit automation.

Credits
Hosts:
Renée Chiuchiarelli
Julie Parks

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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

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

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Global Training Center on LinkedIn

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[email protected]

Host: Annik Sobing
Guest: Joshua Beker
Published: February 6, 2026
Length: ~20 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

ATCC 2026: Cookies, Customs Law, and Why Trade is Suddenly Sexy

Live from Day 3 of the Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance (ATCC) Conference in Houston, Annik sits down with trade lawyer Joshua Beker from Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP Law Firm (met thanks to their irresistible local cookies). Joshua shares how he accidentally fell into trade law before it was "cool," why kids are now chasing trade careers, and what brokers/importers need to fix right nowamid tariff chaos.​

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How Joshua stumbled into trade law during school and now gets constant "how do I become a trade lawyer?" messages from students

Why 2018's first 301 tariffs (2.5% → 25%) made everyone suddenly care about duties—and 2026's even wilder environment is drawing new talent

Common mistakes still killing companies: Chinese-labeled boxes from "Vietnam," missing factory photos, zero origin verification

The compliance "magnifying glass": origin, valuation, classification now mean 50% duty swings under USMCA if you get it wrong

Trust crisis aftermath: 2025's Truth Social posts that went nowhere (Canada 100%, Korea hikes, India rollback)—how to rebuild process confidence

Cross-functional training is non-negotiable: engineers, finance, procurement mustunderstand why compliance asks for BOMs/pictures/policies

ATCC value for brokers: quick expert guidance on 232 valuations (CBP guidance often thin), E&O help, license audits, client advising (auto/steel/furniture/medical)

Joshua's 2026 Predictions:

Retraction/scale-back of aggressive trade actions (already starting)

IEEPA case decision post-State of the Union

USMCA renegotiation: all 3 countries want updates—lobby now via public comments (it works—tariff shift rules already changed from past efforts)

Policies aren't static: build living procedures that adapt monthly, assign owners, train cross-functionally

ATCC Highlights (Houston, Feb 2026):
Joshua emphasizes ATCC's blend of C-suite policy + operational "how-to-file-today" sessions with lawyers/brokers/importers. Global networking (Canada/Brazil/Mexico/Adidas reps) creates crisis-call contacts. For Southern border brokers, it's essential intel to serve auto/steel/furniture/medical clients amid monthly rule shifts.

Key Takeaways:
Trade law went from invisible to hot overnight—leverage conferences like ATCC to upskill fast
Start fixing compliance with education: get lawyers in front of decision-makers, scare with penalties, build policies
Cross-train everyone—they don't need expertise, just enough to escalate red flags and support compliance asks
Lobbying works: USMCA tariff shift changes prove public comments shape outcomes—submit yours now
ATCC isn't optional for brokers/importers—it's where you translate big-picture chaos into industry-specific procedures

Resources & Mentions:

Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP: customs practice, broker E&O, audits, rulings

ATCC Conference: advanced customs compliance, Houston 2026

PaxAI & Global Training Center: Simply Trade Podcast Sponsors

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/

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​

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
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.

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 & 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.