Simply Trade

• [Cindy's Version] "The 1" You Should Call

  Host: Cindy Allen Published: December 5, 2025 Length: ~12 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center​ Summary Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, delivers Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, linking international trade updates to Taylor Swift's "The One." She covers key developments like Costco's high-profile IEEPA challenge in the Court of International Trade to keep liquidations open amid Supreme Court proceedings, alongside nearly 50 similar filings from other companies including Revlon. The episode emphasizes unpredictability in trade policy under the current administration, urging importers to consult trade attorneys, customs brokers, surety companies, and finance teams for tailored strategies on protests, bonds, and duty liabilities.​ This Week in Trade Costco leads publicized IEEPA court challenges to preserve liquidation rights as 314-day cycles approach for early fentanyl-related tariffs around December 15.​ US-Korea trade deal caps IEEPA duties at 15%, retroactive to November 14 (autos/parts to November 1), prompting entry refilings and post-summary corrections.​ Proposed CBP form updates (7501, 3461, International Mail Duty Sheet) add fields for aluminum/steel mill/pour details and enhance visibility.​ Section 301 exclusions from China extended beyond expiration; UK medicines, pharma ingredients, and med tech exempt from Section 232 tariffs.​ WiseTech's ABI/AMS pricing shift over Thanksgiving raises costs 10-100%+ via volume-based fees passed to clients, sparking industry backlash.​ Why "The One" Fits Cindy ties the song's themes of uncertainty ("never know") and choosing reliable advisors to trade's volatility, advising importers to identify "the one" expert per issue: attorneys for legal risks, brokers for filings, sureties for bonds. High China duties (e.g., prior 145% rates) still factor into 12-month bond calculations despite reductions, with IEEPA resolutions potentially years away. Teams must prepare finances for prolonged uncertainty without stacking bond liabilities.​ Key Takeaways File IEEPA challenges if at risk to avoid liquidation; monitor Court of International Trade dockets.​ Review bonds and refile eligible Korea entries for retroactive relief.​ Consult specialists by topic to navigate unpredictable policies effectively.​ Leverage ACE portal over paper forms for full entry data.​ Resources & Mentions Global Training Center TradeForce Multiplier​ Credits: Host Cindy Allen (LinkedIn);] Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts; join Trade Geeks Community. New episodes Fridays.​ Credits Host: • Cindy Allen – LinkedIn • Trade Force Multiplier Producer: • Annik Sobing  Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday. Presented by Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and 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, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

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• Holiday Classification Madness: Christmas, Costumes & Chapter 95 with Hal Berman

  Episode: 403 Hosts: Andy Shiles — LinkedIn. & Lalo Solorzano — LinkedIn. (linkedin.com) Guest(s): Hal Berman — LinkedIn. (linkedin.com) Published: November/December 2025 Length: ~44 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center 🧾 Festive Classifications: When Is That Ornament Really a “Holiday” Item? In this holiday special, Andy and Lalo sit down with Hal Berman (TradeInside AI) to unpack the tricky — and often surprising — rules for classifying festive and holiday goods under the HTSUS. Hal walks us through the three-part “festive article” test used by Customs: (1) used to celebrate a holiday, (2) recognizably unique to that holiday, and (3) not usable for a non-holiday purpose. We discuss everything from ugly Christmas sweaters and branded promotional mugs to Halloween costumes, tamales, tote bags, toy ornaments, and novelty items like frozen-turkey-bowling (yes, really). The episode also covers practical steps importers and compliance teams should take to avoid costly mis-classifications and how AI is already helping speed up large SKU reviews — while reminding listeners that 10-digit HTS validation still needs a human-in-the-loop. 🗝️ Key Takeaways Three-part test for 9505 (festive articles): celebration use + recognizable holiday motif + non-utilitarian. Chapter 95 items can enjoy unconditional duty-free treatment when they meet the test — a major cost difference vs. usual tariffs. Not everything with a holiday motif is 9505 — jewelry, mugs, durable tote bags, and many toys are classified elsewhere under regular headings (and GRI-1 applies). AI helps scale reviews (flag likely festive vs. non-festive) but human review remains required when filing and for 10-digit HTS submission. Practical advice: build a robust classification workflow, document intended use, and be conservative when descriptions are ambiguous. Refunds / litigation note: discussion about ongoing litigation and refund strategies (e.g., Costco case) — watch for rulings and plan for data-level readiness. 🎯 Resources & Mentions (embedded links for quick access) TradeInsight AI — Hal’s company / classification resource. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) — primary tariff schedule & search. (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) https://hts.usitc.gov/ Global Training Center CBP / Rulings / Classification guidance — useful for checking rulings and prior decisions. https://www.cbp.gov/ Example case references & historical notes on festive classification (referenced in ep): judicial and CIT rulings, and WCO explanatory notes (see HTS/CIT rulings and customs rulings database). https://rulings.cbp.gov/ (Optional) Want to dig deeper into classification law? USITC HTS info and HTS user guides are very helpful. (USITC) 📌 Credits Hosts: Andy Shiles — LinkedIn. (linkedin.com) Lalo Solorzano — LinkedIn. (linkedin.com) Guest: Hal Berman — LinkedIn. (linkedin.com) Produced by: Global Training Center 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with Simply Trade and Global Training Center (official links with utm tag): Global Training Center (Company / Connect) — LinkedIn — Global Training Center. (linkedin.com) Simply Trade Podcast — LinkedIn Showcase — Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn. (linkedin.com) YouTube — Simply Trade on YouTube. Spotify — Listen on Spotify. Apple Podcasts — Listen on Apple Podcasts. (Apple Podcasts) Trade Geeks Community

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• [NCBFAA] Customs Committee Year in Review

  Episode: NCBFAA Customs Committee Spotlight: 2025 Challenges, 2026 Opportunities & The Power of Community Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Sandra (Sandy) Coty — Customs Committee Co-Chair LinkedIn Mary Jo Muoio — Chair Emeritus LinkedIn Ralph De La Rosa — Customs Committee Co-Chair LinkedIn Lenny Feldman — Customs Committee Counsel LinkedIn Published: December 3, 2025 Length: Approx. 44 min. Presented by: Global Training Center — Website Episode Summary In this special collaborative episode with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), Simply Trade highlights one of the organization’s most active and influential groups: the Customs Committee. Host Lalo Solorzano is joined by committee co-chairs Sandy Coty and Ralph De La Rosa, alongside Mary Jo Muoio (Chair Emeritus) and counsel Lenny Feldman. Together, they unpack a highly dynamic 2025 driven by court cases, tariff unpredictability, modernization initiatives, and the ever-increasing complexity of trade policy. This episode reveals what the Customs Committee does, how it supports the entire brokerage community, and why their work is essential for businesses of all sizes. From interpreting executive orders, to producing toolkits, to being the “eye of the storm” during regulatory upheaval — this group ensures brokers stay informed, compliant, and ready for whatever comes next. The guests also look ahead to 2026, sharing expectations around tariff changes, new trade “deals,” evolving technology, and the crucial role of customs brokers as the industry continues to transform. Key Learnings & Themes 1. What the Customs Committee Actually Does The committee’s primary mission is to provide clarity for NCBFAA members on anything related to CBP, trade policy, or customs requirements. This includes: Webinars, toolkits, and e-briefings Monday morning updates (now almost daily due to rapid change) Direct member support for complex questions Coordinated outreach to CBP, Treasury, USTR, and other agencies Flowcharts, FAQs, and practical guides to help brokers execute requirements accurately The group acts as a force multiplier, ensuring that one broker’s question becomes clarity for all. 2. Wins and Progress in 2025 Sandy highlights several “first downs” toward long-sought industry improvements: Revenue modernization progress tied to the federal executive order Duty payment flexibility, including paying duties at any port in certain situations 10-day extensions for trade remedy-related entry rejections Improved ACE reports, including inbound, AD/CVD certifications, and low-hanging but highly useful enhancements Ralph notes additional recognition for NCBFAA this year: Sandy and another committee member were appointed to COAC CBP is increasingly seeking NCBFAA’s input due to the committee’s credibility and expertise 3. Guidance During Turbulent Policy Shifts Mary Jo emphasizes the committee’s role as a stabilizing force: They provide institutional knowledge during times that feel overwhelming They help members understand complex topics like tariff stacking, enforcement spikes, and Supreme Court review scenarios They translate shifting rules into actionable guidance They ensure that small brokers have the same insight as large brokers The committee helps the industry “act like we’ve been here before,” even when the environment is unprecedented. 4. Tariffs, IEEPA, and the Supreme Court Case Lenny breaks down what’s at stake: Whether Section 301/IEEPA tariffs remain valid Whether tariff authority is properly delegated Whether changes will apply prospectively or retroactively How brokers should handle refunds, protests, or revenue collection depending on outcomes His analogy: It all comes down to donuts, duties, and delegation — and whether tariffs are a “donut hole” in the statute or “a different kind of pastry.” Regardless of the ruling, the committee will deliver: Updated tools New flowcharts Best-practice guidance Member education sessions 5. Small Brokers Gain Big-Broker Capabilities A recurring theme: NCBFAA levels the playing field. Ralph shares examples: The AD/CVD certification toolkit Harp/Nice Harmonized Tariff Schedule sequencing toolkit Penalty and liquidated damages working groups Center of Excellence and Expertise outreach calls Direct lines of communication to CBP A small broker becomes instantly connected to subject-matter experts, best practices, and national discussions — a major competitive advantage. 6. Looking Ahead to 2026 Panelists expect: New forms of tariff collection Faster, deal-based trade agreements Increased use of AI and machine learning in compliance and enforcement More de minimis-related shifts into formal/informal entry channels Technology-driven expectations for brokers Greater pressure on revenue collection Higher need for accurate guidance, FAQs, and toolkits The brokerage role continues evolving — from “customs house broker” to customs concierge. Takeaways for Listeners NCBFAA’s Customs Committee is an unmatched resource for practical, real-world customs compliance guidance. Even small brokers gain expert-level insight and decision support by being part of the community. The association provides stability during rapid regulatory change. The industry will continue evolving quickly — and NCBFAA helps members stay ahead, not behind. Involvement (even at the local level) returns far more value than it requires. Brokers, attorneys, carriers, and service providers all benefit from engagement. Resources Mentioned All references below include embedded official links. NCBFAA & Community NCBFAA — ncbfaa.org NCBFAA Customs Committee — via membership resources COAC (CBP Advisory Committee) — CBP COAC Page U.S. Agencies U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) — cbp.gov U.S. Treasury Department — home.treasury.gov U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) — ustr.gov Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — dhs.gov Department of Commerce — commerce.gov Regulations / Programs / Topics IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) — Congress.gov Overview Section 301 / Trade Remedies — USTR 301 Overview Tariff Schedules (HTSUS) — HTS Search ACE Reporting — CBP ACE Portal AD/CVD (Antidumping & Countervailing Duties) — CBP AD/CVD Info De Minimis / Section 321 — CBP Section 321 Federal Register Notices — federalregister.gov Technology & Enforcement Forced Labor Enforcement — CBP Forced Labor AI in Trade Modernization — CBP Innovation Initiatives via CBP Trade Newsroom Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano — Global Training Center Guests: Sandra (Sandy) Coty — LinkedIn Mary Jo Muoio — LinkedIn Ralph De La Rosa — LinkedIn Lenny Feldman — LinkedIn Presented by: Global Training Center — Website Global Training Center LinkedIn — Follow Subscribe & Follow YouTube: Simply Trade Channel Spotify: Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts Trade Geeks Community: Join Here

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• [TIPS] Why Is This A Tricky Conversation

  Episode Summary In this kickoff to Series 4, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks dive into one of the toughest parts of any trade or corporate role: difficult conversations. Whether it’s salary discussions, performance feedback, non-compliance discoveries, or delivering perceived “bad news,” Renee and Julie break down why these conversations feel hard — and more importantly — how to approach them with clarity, preparation, and confidence. They outline: What qualifies as a difficult conversation How to prepare before you engage How to choose the right words How to use the Likes, Concerns, Suggestions (LCS) method to keep communication constructive and forward-moving This is a practical, relatable episode with real-world scenarios from their careers — perfect for trade pros, team leads, new managers, and anyone navigating delicate workplace interactions. 👉 Key Learnings Difficult conversations come in many forms: salary topics, performance discussions, non-compliance findings, and more. Preparation matters: scripting, writing things down, framing the discussion, and thinking through tone can make or break the delivery. Recapping the context is essential — your version of events may not match the receiver’s. Anticipate their questions: put yourself in the other person’s shoes before you meet. Use the LCS method: Likes → Concerns → Suggestions to structure discussions in a constructive, repeatable way. Follow-up is crucial: especially if the first contact was via email — close it with a conversation. 🛠️ Tip of the Week Use the LCS Framework (Likes, Concerns, Suggestions) to keep hard conversations clear, structured, and less emotionally charged. 📣 FIO – Figure It Out / Call to Action Practice using LCS this week — at work, at home, with your team, anywhere. Then come tell us in the Trade Geeks Community how it went! Did it make the conversation easier? Did it shift the tone? We want to hear it. 🗣️ Keep the Conversation Going Join the discussion in the Trade Geeks community and share: What difficult conversations you’re navigating Whether you tried the LCS approach What worked and what still feels challenging We’re building these series so you don’t have to figure this out alone — come learn with us. Credits Hosts Renee Chiuchiarelli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-chiuchiarelli-lcb-ccs-8964a19/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Julie Parks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ann-parks/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Producer Lalo Solorzano LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Subscribe & Follow New TIPS episodes every Tuesday Presented by: Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade pros 👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Connect with Us Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Global Training Center on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast Trade Geeks Community https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast 💬 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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• [ROUNDUP] The Art of Trade: An Attorney on Compliance Education

  Hosts: Annik Sobing ([email protected] | LinkedIn) Guest: Natalie Zink: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliezink/ Producer: Annik Sobing  Length: ~15 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Episode Overview In this episode of Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing interviews Natalie Zink, an experienced trade attorney and thought leader, about her journey in trade compliance education and why ongoing learning in this field is essential. Natalie discusses taking courses at Global Training Center and gaining practical insights into the daily challenges faced by in-house trade compliance teams. The conversation highlights key trade compliance pillars—tariff classification, country of origin, and valuation—and how a deeper understanding helps attorneys and professionals provide better business and legal advice. They also explore current issues like the upcoming IEPA Supreme Court decision and the critical role of thorough documentation in an evolving enforcement landscape. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The importance of continuous education for trade compliance professionals and attorneys alike Practical insights into how in-house compliance teams operate day-to-day The three pillars of import compliance and why they matter: tariff classification, origin, and valuation How collaboration between brokers, in-house teams, and legal counsel improves risk management Upcoming regulatory challenges, including pending Supreme Court cases affecting tariffs under IEPA The critical necessity of documenting import decisions to meet reasonable care standards and prepare for potential audits or enforcement actions 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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