Simply Trade

• [Cindy's Version] Delicate - A Fragile Trade Moment

  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

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• The Human Cost of Tariffs: Detroit Axle’s Fight for Survival Under Trump’s Trade Policies

  Episode: #408 Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Mike Musheinesh, CEO of Detroit Axle Published: Insert date Length: ~39 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Episode Summary In one of our most powerful and revealing episodes of the year, Andy and Lalo sit down with Mike Musheinesh, CEO of Detroit Axle, to expose the real-world, real-human impact of the accelerated tariff changes implemented under the Trump administration. This conversation is raw, emotional, and brutally honest. It blends economics, politics, business strategy, and human reality into the clearest picture yet of what happens when tariff changes hit industries faster than companies can possibly adapt. Detroit Axle — a family-built, half-billion-dollar U.S. company employing hundreds across Detroit, El Paso, and Juarez — is now facing seismic pressures from massive tariff spikes, sudden de minimis repeal, skyrocketing materials costs, slowed consumer spending, and policy decisions made with little warning. Mike breaks down: How tariffs jumped from $25,000 per $1M of imports… to $625,000–$725,000 Why overnight policy changes destroyed logistics models built over 30 years Why these decisions threaten not just executives, but hundreds of families How Detroit Axle trains returning citizens, rebuilds parts manually, and sustains U.S. jobs Why even supportive CEOs struggle when change comes so suddenly How the company is pivoting toward Canada and Mexico Why Congress vs. Presidential authority may redefine U.S. trade policy And why the Supreme Court’s ruling could make or break this company’s future This episode is the perfect capstone to a year full of tariff discussions — tying everything together through a real, relatable, human story.  Key Learnings & Takeaways 1. Tariff volatility isn’t just policy — it’s people Detroit Axle employs hundreds across three countries. A sudden repeal of de minimis and massive tariff spikes have already paused a 350,000 sq ft Detroit expansion — affecting jobs, families, and local economies. 2. The cost increases are staggering Tariffs on a million dollars of imports climbed: From $25,000 To $625,000–$725,000 Companies cannot absorb increases of this scale without raising prices or reducing investment. 3. Abrupt policy changes destroy planning cycles Congress initially set a 2027 timeline. The administration moved that to 2025, leaving companies with no runway to pivot. 4. De minimis repeal hurts much more than China Small businesses, U.S. e-commerce, border operations in El Paso/Juarez, and consumers all pay the price. 5. Tariffs were intended to bring leverage — but reciprocity hasn’t followed Countries such as India and Vietnam lowered tariffs on U.S. goods… …but the U.S. didn’t lower tariffs in return, creating tension and reducing competitiveness. 6. America’s manufacturing gap is now painfully visible Mike explains the loss of: Machinery Skills Manual trades Technical knowledge Replacing that ecosystem takes years, not weeks. 7. The Supreme Court case could reshape trade authority The outcome may determine: Whether presidential tariff power remains broad Whether Congress must reassert authority And whether companies like Detroit Axle get relief  Episode Resources Detroit Axle – Learn more about Mike’s company: Detroit Axle Website Mike Musheinesh (LinkedIn) Connect with Mike Learn more about Global Training Center programs: Trade Compliance Courses Trade Strategist Training Join the Trade Geeks Community: Trade Geeks Portal Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with Simply Trade and never miss an episode: LinkedIn – Global Training Center Follow GTC YouTube – Simply Trade Podcast Subscribe on YouTube Spotify Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts Listen on Apple Podcasts

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• [NCBFAA] Regulatory Agencies Committee Year in Review

  Episode: NCBFAA Spotlight: Understanding the Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): • Michael Lahar – Chair, NCBFAA RAC (LinkedIn) • Adam Lees – Vice Chair, NCBFAA RAC (LinkedIn) • Cindy Thomas – Counsel, NCBFAA RAC (LinkedIn) Published: November 2025 Length: ~34 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center 🧾 Episode Summary In this special collaboration episode with the NCBFAA, Lalo sits down with members of the Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) — the team that engages with all Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) outside of CBP on behalf of the brokerage, freight forwarding, and logistics community. Committee Chair Michael Lahar, Vice Chair Adam Lees, and Counsel Cindy Thomas walk through the RAC’s unique role, its 15 subcommittees, and how 2025 proved to be one of the most unusual years in recent memory. From staffing reductions under the Department of Justice’s GOGE initiative, to the still-ongoing government shutdown, to FDA’s surprise launch of the National Entry Review (NER) Program, the RAC has spent the year rebuilding agency relationships, troubleshooting major regulatory changes, and guiding NCBFAA members through rapidly shifting expectations. The conversation highlights the RAC’s critical liaison function — ensuring brokers aren’t left in the dark, building interagency cooperation, and helping PGAs understand how brokers function as “force multipliers” in the import ecosystem. The episode closes with a forward look at 2026, including the CPSC and Fish & Wildlife ACE mandates, the National Marine Fisheries implementation of MMPA requirements, and what brokers need to prepare for now. 🗝️ Key Takeaways RAC represents brokers and freight forwarders across 15 PGA subcommittees, interacting with agencies from USDA and CPSC to FDA, EPA, APHIS, and Fish & Wildlife. Government shutdown impacts varied widely across PGAs — some were fully dark, others partially functioning. Staffing reductions under GOGE hit PGAs hard, creating delays and inexperienced replacements. FDA’s National Entry Review (NER) Program launched with only 30 days’ notice, causing friction but improving week by week. Interagency cooperation is growing, with agencies proactively engaging the RAC for the first time. Brokers are increasingly recognized as “force multipliers” for enforcement efficiency. 2026 will bring major ACE mandates for CPSC and Fish & Wildlife — importers must prepare now. AI is being used across PGAs, often without transparency. Resilience across both industry and government was the defining theme of 2025. 🔍 Topics Covered Structure & mission of the RAC PGA staffing and shutdown impacts FDA NER rollout challenges Rebuilding agency relationships Interagency collaboration wins AI use in trade enforcement 2026 ACE mandates (CPSC, FWS) National Marine Fisheries MMPA enforcement Preparing brokers for regulatory change NCBFAA Annual Conference preview 📚 Resources & Mentions NCBFAA – National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (Website) FDA – National Entry Review (NER) Program (Referenced during the episode) U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Website) Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – ACE Filing Program (Website) Global Training Center (Website) 🎤 Credits Hosts: • Lalo Solorzano (LinkedIn) Guests: • Michael Lahar – Chair, RAC (LinkedIn) • Adam Lees – Vice Chair, RAC (LinkedIn) • Cindy Thomas – Counsel, RAC (LinkedIn) Produced by: Global Training Center Notes prepared by: The Simply Trade Team 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community: Global Training Center on LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/global-training-center Simply Trade on YouTube youtube.com/@simplytradepod Simply Trade on Spotify open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq Simply Trade on Apple Podcasts podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690 Trade Geeks Community globaltrainingcenter.com/portal

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• [TIPS] GGCC: A Simple Framework for Starting Tough Conversations (The “Pitcher” Role)

  Hosts Renee Chiuchiarelli- LinkedIn Julie Parks - LinkedIn Published Date December 9, 2025 Episode Length ~7 minutes Episode Summary The Pitcher’s Playbook for Difficult Conversations In this second episode of the Difficult Conversations series, Renee and Julie break down how to navigate tough discussions when you are the one initiating them — the Pitcher role. To make the process easier, they introduce a simple, repeatable acronym that works for any difficult conversation: GGCC Greeting: Open with appreciation and set a positive tone Groundwork: Provide context and explain why the conversation is needed Concern: State the issue clearly, respectfully, and with the “why” behind it Closing: Finish with a statement and a question to confirm alignment This framework helps you stay organized, calm, and effective, no matter how uncomfortable the topic may be. Key Learnings Structure makes difficult conversations less stressful and more productive. Appreciation (Greeting) and partnership (Groundwork) reduce defensiveness. Clear, respectful articulation of your concern keeps the conversation constructive. Ending with a clarifying question ensures you and the other person walk away aligned. Writing out the GGCC ahead of time makes a big difference in how you show up. GGCC will be used again in Episode 3, this time from the Catcher’s perspective. Takeaways Difficult conversations aren’t confrontations — they’re opportunities to collaborate. “Respect” and “clarity” are the two qualities that make the GGCC method work. Preparing your structure ahead of time prevents misunderstandings. Tip of the Week Use the GGCC framework (Greeting, Groundwork, Concern, Closing) to prepare your next difficult conversation. It works for feedback, resource requests, conflict, and team challenges. FIO – Figure It Out (Call to Action) This week, identify one difficult conversation you’ve been putting off. Draft your Pitcher’s script using the GGCC structure. Even if you don’t deliver it right away, having it ready makes you more confident and prepared. Share your experience inside the Trade Geeks Community: Trade Geeks Resources Mentioned This episode focuses solely on the GGCC structure — no external resources. Credits Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks Producer: Lalo Solorzano Subscribe & Follow Global Training Center – Website Simply Trade Podcast – LinkedIn YouTube – Simply Trade Channel Spotify – Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts – Listen on Apple Trade Geeks Community – Join Here

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• [ROUNDUP] ICPA Creating The Next Generation of Trade

  Hosts: Annik Sobing ([email protected] | LinkedIn) Guests: Elisabeth Sherrell, ICPA (International Compliance Professionals Association) Jacob Boggs, Recent Graduate & Trade Compliance Professional Producer: Annik Sobing Length: ~28 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center.  Find GTC Seminars here: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/seminars/ Episode Overview In this exciting episode of Simply Trade News Roundup, host Annik Sobing welcomes Elisabeth Sherrell from the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA) and Jacob Boggs, a young trade compliance professional who recently graduated and is already making waves in the industry. The conversation centers on breaking into trade compliance as a student or recent graduate, the value of ICPA membership and conferences, and how the next generation of trade professionals is building community and legacy in this field. Elisabeth and Jacob share inspiring stories about overcoming fear, taking the first step, and the importance of networking at industry events. This episode is a must-listen for students, recent graduates, and anyone considering a career in trade compliance. It's packed with practical advice, encouragement, and real talk about navigating conferences, making connections, and finding your place in the trade compliance community—even if you feel like you don't belong yet. What You'll Learn in This Episode How to break into trade compliance as a student or recent graduate The benefits of ICPA membership and what to expect at ICPA conferences Practical tips for attending your first trade conference (what to wear, how to introduce yourself, who to talk to) Why networking isn't as scary as it seems—and how to make meaningful connections The emerging "under 30" trade compliance community and why it matters How to leverage LinkedIn and professional associations to build your career Real stories from Jacob about going to his first conference and connecting with industry leaders Why showing up is half the battle—and how taking small steps leads to big opportunities Key Topics Discussed Breaking Into Trade Compliance How Jacob entered the field and what motivated him to pursue trade compliance The challenges students and recent graduates face when entering a specialized industry Why it's important to reach out to people who are slightly ahead of you in their career journey ICPA Conferences & Membership What ICPA offers: conferences, networking, educational sessions, and community Why attending conferences is valuable even if you don't know anyone How to prepare for a conference and what to expect The welcoming nature of the trade compliance community The Under-30 Trade Compliance Movement The growing community of young professionals under 30 in trade compliance How Jacob and others like Jack Chapman are building legacy and community Why having peers at similar career stages is valuable for learning and support Practical Advice for Students Don't be terrified—everyone was new once Reach out to people on LinkedIn (like Jacob!) who are in similar positions Attend conferences even if you feel unprepared—you'll learn by being there Connect with Jack Chapman and Jacob Boggs for peer mentorship and guidance Key Quotes from the Episode "If you're terrified and if you're a student, the best way is probably to reach out to someone who is kind of in the same position as you but taking those steps already." — Annik "And I'm happy to talk to anyone as well." — Jacob Boggs "There is a group of under 30 trade compliance people that are starting to build. And that's really cool to me. That's, you know, that's legacy and I love it." — Annik "Trade makes the world go round." — Annik "Just stay calm, really. That's all we can do." — Annik Resources Mentioned ICPA (International Compliance Professionals Association) Website: ICPA Information Upcoming conferences Membership benefits and networking opportunities Connect with the Guests: Elisabeth Sherrell - ICPA | LINKEDIN Jacob Boggs - LinkedIn (available for students and recent grads to connect!) Subscribe & Follow New TIPS episodes every Tuesday. 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 Want to Be on the Show or Suggest a Topic? Email us at [email protected] or DM us on Twitter/X: @SimplyTradePod

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