Simply Trade

Host: Cindy Allen
Published: August 7, 2026
Length: ~15 min
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
International trade compliance is getting more complicated—and the tools used to enforce it are getting smarter.

In this week’s Simply Trade update, Cindy Allen puts a trade-compliance spin on Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department and breaks down a busy week of tariff changes, forced-labor developments, enforcement activity, and technology.

Cindy examines new Section 232 developments affecting pharmaceuticals, solar-grade polysilicon and derivative products, along with proposed additions to existing copper, steel, and aluminum measures. The growing focus on derivative products means importers increasingly need visibility beyond the finished good, including components, raw materials, suppliers, pricing, origin, and potential exemptions.

She also explores CBP’s increasing reliance on AI and advanced analytics, recent duty-evasion findings, UFLPA developments, China’s countermeasures, and complications surrounding IEEPA duty refunds.

The bigger message for trade professionals: enforcement isn’t likely to disappear. As governments gain better analytical capabilities, companies need equally strong visibility into their supply chains. Technology can help uncover risk—but experienced trade professionals still have to interpret the data and make the right compliance decisions.

This Week in Trade
• New Section 232 requirements affecting solar-grade polysilicon and derivative products are adding another layer of supply-chain complexity.

• Commerce has proposed adding 14 products to existing Section 232 measures covering copper, steel, and aluminum.

• CBP’s roadmap through 2030 highlights AI, analytics, interoperability, and increasingly sophisticated enforcement capabilities.

• Forced-labor enforcement, China countermeasures, duty-evasion cases, and IEEPA refund validation issues continue to create compliance challenges.

Main Topic / Discussion
The trade environment is moving beyond traditional questions about classification, value, and country of origin. Importers increasingly need visibility deep into their supply chains to understand the components and raw materials contained in finished products, the parties involved, applicable pricing rules, and whether exemptions apply.

At the same time, CBP is becoming more sophisticated in how it identifies risk. Advanced analytics can connect activity across suppliers and transactions that an importer may not immediately see.

For companies, that makes supply-chain visibility and technology increasingly important. AI can help organize and analyze enormous amounts of trade data, but technology alone isn't the answer. Trade professionals still need to evaluate the results, understand the regulatory context, and determine the actual compliance risk.

Key Takeaways
• Section 232 derivative-product measures mean importers may need visibility all the way down to component and raw-material levels.

• CBP’s growing use of AI and analytical tools makes deeper supply-chain connections easier for enforcement teams to identify.

• Companies should not assume heightened enforcement will disappear with future political or leadership changes.

• Trade teams should evaluate whether their existing technology provides enough visibility to identify tariff exposure, exemptions, forced-labor concerns, and supplier-level risks before regulators do.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

• Section 232 tariffs and derivative-product requirements

• Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA)

• CBP Office of Field Operations 2030 roadmap

• Trade Force Multiplier

Credits
Host:
Cindy Allen

Guest(s):
N/A

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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• Simply Trade
• Global Training Center
• Trade Geeks Community

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Host: Victoria Schneider and Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Elisabeth Sherrell and Lynda Thomas
Published: August 6, 2026
Length: Approximately 26 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
What does the future of professional development look like for trade compliance professionals?

In this episode, Victoria Schneider and Lalo Solorzano introduce a new monthly Simply Trade check-in with the International Compliance Professionals Association and explore the reimagined ICPA Global Trade Pathways Conference.

Victoria, Elisabeth Sherrell, and ICPA co-founder Lynda Thomas explain why the event is no longer simply a smaller version of ICPA’s annual conference. Instead, it is being designed as a distinct experience for professionals at every stage of their careers—from students and newcomers to experienced compliance leaders.

The conversation covers the conference’s new professional development track, which complements technical trade education with practical skills such as leadership, communication, networking, organization, presentation development, and self-assessment.

The group also discusses professional certifications, certification preparation through Global Training Center, ICPA’s work with University of North Texas students, the importance of building a stronger talent pipeline, and ICPA’s expanding educational presence in Mexico and the Asia-Pacific region.

Above all, this episode highlights the supportive community behind ICPA—a place where trade professionals can find education, career opportunities, meaningful connections, and people who understand the challenges of the profession.

Main Topic / Discussion
The ICPA Global Trade Pathways Conference is being redesigned as a standalone educational and professional-development experience rather than a smaller version of ICPA’s annual conference.

Its programming brings together technical trade education, career development, certification opportunities, networking, and community building. Attendees can follow pathways suited to their experience level while developing the interpersonal and leadership skills needed to advance their careers.

Professional Development Beyond Technical Knowledge
Technical expertise may help someone become an effective compliance professional, but advancing into leadership often requires additional abilities.

The professional development track will address topics such as:

• Understanding personal communication and working styles
• Developing leadership skills
• Networking as an introvert
• Delivering more impactful presentations
• Staying organized in challenging environments
• Connecting personal strengths with long-term career goals

Certifications and Exam Preparation
ICPA has selected five specialized international trade certifications that address meaningful areas of the profession, including export controls, imports, freight forwarding, logistics, and ITAR.

The conference will provide live proctoring for certification exams, but attendees should prepare before arriving. The conference sessions alone are not intended to serve as complete exam preparation.

Global Training Center has developed study roadmaps and preparation options, including an ITAR cohort led by Lila Landis, to help professionals prepare for these rigorous exams.

Building the Next Generation of Trade Professionals
ICPA is also working with students from the University of North Texas supply chain and logistics program.

Students will have opportunities to attend sessions, meet service providers, explore employment possibilities, and learn how trade compliance can become a visible and rewarding career path.

A Community Built Around Connection
Education remains central to ICPA events, but the organization also emphasizes the personal connections created at its conferences.

Attendees can meet peers facing similar challenges, exchange advice, build professional networks, discover job opportunities, and feel recognized within a profession that is often misunderstood or undervalued.

Key Takeaways
• The Global Trade Pathways Conference is a distinct event—not a smaller version of the ICPA Annual Conference.

• Professional advancement requires communication, leadership, presentation, networking, and organizational skills in addition to technical expertise.

• ICPA’s certification program gives trade professionals additional ways to demonstrate specialized knowledge and commitment to the industry.

• Certification exams are intentionally rigorous and require advance preparation beyond attending conference sessions.

• Partnerships with universities can introduce students to trade compliance and help strengthen the industry’s future talent pipeline.

• The most valuable part of an ICPA conference may be the community of professionals who share experiences, advice, opportunities, and support.

• ICPA plans to continue expanding its international education through conferences in Mexico and a future return to the Asia-Pacific region.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• 2026 ICPA Global Trade Pathways Conference

• International Compliance Professionals Association

• University of North Texas

• Global Training Center ITAR certification preparation with Lila Landis

• International Trade Certification Program

• ITAR and EAR education

• Import, export, freight-forwarding, and logistics certifications

Credits
Host:
Victoria Schneider

Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):
Elisabeth Sherrell - LinkedIn

Lynda Thomas - LinkedIn

Producer:
Mara Marquez

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• YouTube

💬 Connect with us:

• Simply Trade

• Global Training Center

• Trade Geeks Community

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A year of making international trade make sense—one Taylor Swift song at a time.
Host: Cindy Allen
Published: July 31, 2026
Length: ~16:19
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
One year ago, Cindy's Version debuted with a simple mission: make international trade news easier to understand—one Taylor Swift song at a time. In this anniversary episode, Cindy celebrates the milestone while tackling another week packed with major developments impacting importers, customs brokers, and global supply chains.

Using Taylor Swift's "...Ready For It?" as the theme, Cindy explores the latest discussions surrounding de minimis changes, duty enforcement, USMCA negotiations, new pharmaceutical Section 232 tariffs, and CBP's continued focus on trade enforcement. More importantly, she explains why companies should stop reacting to trade actions and instead prepare for them through proactive planning.

The episode's biggest takeaway isn't tied to any single tariff announcement. It's about building an organizational playbook that brings together compliance, finance, legal, procurement, sales, and executive leadership before the next trade action arrives. With regulatory changes becoming more frequent and enforcement continuing to increase, preparation has become one of the most valuable competitive advantages a company can have.

Whether you're an importer, customs broker, compliance professional, or executive responsible for global supply chains, this anniversary episode offers practical guidance for staying ready in today's constantly evolving trade environment.

This Week in Trade
• CBP receives extensive feedback on proposed de minimis changes and postal parity concerns.

• CBP announces more than $1 billion recovered through Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) duty evasion investigations.

• USMCA negotiations continue amid reported disagreements surrounding Sections 232 and 301 tariffs.

• New Section 232 requirements for patented pharmaceuticals introduce additional reporting responsibilities for importers and customs brokers.

Main Topic / Discussion
International trade has entered an era where regulatory changes occur regularly rather than occasionally. Cindy explains why companies should move beyond reacting to each announcement and instead establish a repeatable response process.

Rather than focusing solely on individual tariff actions, organizations should develop a cross-functional trade playbook that identifies affected products, evaluates financial exposure, assesses contractual obligations, communicates with suppliers and customers, and enables leadership to make informed decisions quickly.

Preparation—not prediction—is becoming the defining characteristic of successful trade compliance programs.

Key Takeaways
• Trade enforcement continues to accelerate, making strong compliance programs more valuable than ever.

• High-quality supply chain data is essential for responding quickly to new trade actions.

• Cross-functional planning involving finance, legal, procurement, sales, and compliance should be documented before regulatory changes occur.

• Companies that develop repeatable trade response playbooks will be better positioned to navigate future tariffs and enforcement actions.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center — https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

• Trade Force Multiplier - https://www.linkedin.com/company/trade-force-multiplier-llc/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

• USMCA

• Section 232 Tariffs

• Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA)

Credits
Host

Cindy Allen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-allen-a3188210/

Guest(s)

N/A

Producer

Lalo Solorzano
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

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• Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

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https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

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https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/simply-trade-podcast/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

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Host: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles
Guest(s): Valerie Sorensen-Clark
Published: July 30, 2026
Length: ~25 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
What happens when a court rules that tariffs were improperly imposed—and how can importers recover the money they've already paid?

In this episode of Simply Trade, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome international trade attorney Valerie Sorensen-Clark of GDLSK. Drawing from her unique experience as former U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) counsel, Valerie explains the current status of IEEPA tariff litigation and what businesses should expect as CBP processes refunds.

The discussion breaks down the difference between liquidated and unliquidated entries, why those distinctions matter, and how the new CAPE refund process is being implemented. Valerie also shares behind-the-scenes insight into the legal and operational challenges CBP faces while building systems to process unprecedented tariff refunds.

Whether you're an importer, customs broker, trade professional, or legal advisor, this conversation offers practical guidance on determining your eligibility, understanding the refund process, and knowing when it's time to consult customs counsel. If your company paid IEEPA tariffs, this episode provides valuable context on what comes next and how to prepare.

Main Topic / Discussion
The conversation focuses on the evolving legal landscape surrounding IEEPA tariffs following recent court decisions and what those rulings mean for importers seeking refunds.

Valerie explains:

Why the courts determined the IEEPA tariffs exceeded statutory authority.

The operational rollout of CBP's CAPE refund process.

The critical distinction between liquidated and unliquidated entries.

Why some refunds can be processed immediately while others require additional court action.

Practical steps importers should take now to determine their options.

Key Takeaways
• Court decisions have opened the door for many importers to recover improperly collected IEEPA tariffs.

• Understanding whether an entry is liquidated or unliquidated is critical because it determines how refunds may be processed.

• CBP has made significant progress implementing the CAPE refund process but continues expanding functionality for more complex entry types.

• Importers with significant tariff exposure should consult an experienced customs attorney to evaluate potential recovery opportunities.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center – https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

• GDLSK LLP - https://www.gdlsk.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

• U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT)

Credits
Host:

Lalo Solorzano — https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/

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

Guest(s):

Valerie Sorensen-Clark — https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerieannsorensen/

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano — https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

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• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

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• Trade Geeks Community: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

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SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Ashley Arnold
Length: 13:20
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
In this final installment of the Simply Trade tips run with Ashley Arnold, Lalo Solorzano and Ashley turn to a foundational question with growing consequences: who truly owns import compliance? As enforcement intensifies and importer-of-record expectations receive more attention, the conversation examines why relying entirely on a customs broker is no longer a workable compliance strategy.

Ashley explains that brokers remain essential partners, but importers must understand and retain responsibility for tariff classification, customs valuation, country of origin, recordkeeping, and supply-chain visibility. The discussion also explores why foreign importers of record may face tougher vetting, how increased entry volume can expose weak processes, and why service providers need clearer accountability and a reliable paper trail.

The episode moves beyond theory with practical advice: establish ownership for classification decisions, use ACE reports to review entry activity, investigate data that looks unusual, and create a recurring audit cadence instead of waiting for Customs to ask questions. The message is direct: compliance cannot be treated as a one-time setup or delegated without oversight. Importers that stay engaged, document their decisions, and work proactively with their brokers will be better positioned to identify errors early and respond confidently when scrutiny increases.

Main Topic / Discussion
Lalo and Ashley discuss the responsibilities attached to serving as an importer of record in a heightened enforcement environment. They explain why importers must actively oversee classification, valuation, country of origin, entry data, and recordkeeping—even when a customs broker manages the filing process.

The conversation also examines increased scrutiny of foreign importers of record, the growing pressure placed on brokers and surety providers, and the importance of using ACE data to identify inconsistencies before they become larger compliance problems.

Key Takeaways
• Importers remain responsible for the accuracy and defensibility of their customs declarations, even when a broker files entries on their behalf.

• Every importer should establish clear internal ownership for tariff classification, valuation, country-of-origin determinations, and supporting records.

• ACE reports can help compliance teams identify unusual tariff numbers, unauthorized activity, entry discrepancies, and other potential risks.

• Proactive, recurring audits are more effective than waiting for a Customs inquiry, payment issue, or post-entry correction deadline.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• CBP Automated Commercial Environment

• Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):
Ashley Arnold

📢 Subscribe & Follow
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💬 Connect with us:

• Simply Trade
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• 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?
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