Episode: #394

In this in-depth roundtable discussion, Andy and Lalo welcome back Eric Hargraves, a listener favorite and trade policy expert known for breaking down complex issues with clarity. This episode tackles one of the hottest topics in global trade: the future of tariffs, IEEPA, and how the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision could reshape U.S. trade policy.

Eric shares his early analysis of the recent Supreme Court oral arguments on the use of IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) to impose broad, country-wide tariffs—an approach now under scrutiny. Together, they explore whether the U.S. is shifting away from country-of-origin-based tariffs toward sector-based or product-based tariff frameworks, and what that means for importers, exporters, and manufacturers.

They also take a historical walk through Section 232 and 301, discuss China’s role in the global supply chain, unpack forced labor concerns, and examine how trade policy is being used not just as an economic tool—but a geopolitical one.

If your business relies on global sourcing, supply chain planning, cost modeling, or tariff strategy, this is a must-listen episode that cuts through political noise and focuses on operational reality.

Why the Court is skeptical about using IEEPA for broad tariff actions

Clarifying the difference between regulating importation and imposing de facto taxes

What a ruling against IEEPA tariffs could trigger

Eric outlines an emerging pattern:

More Section 232 investigations (steel, aluminum, copper, lumber, autos, medical devices, robotics)

More code-specific exclusions and carve-outs

More targeted vs. country-wide tariff strategies

The group revisits:

Post-WWII tariff negotiations and asymmetrical concessions

How China’s WTO accession reshaped global manufacturing

Forced labor issues (UFLPA) and global ethical responsibilities

Why bipartisan support exists for confronting unfair trade practices

Why 232 tariffs matter for:

Defense industrial base

Pharmaceuticals

Critical minerals

Rare earths

Robotics and advanced manufacturing

Andy and Eric also highlight how trade agreements with partners like Australia and Japan support de-risking supply chains.

Eric provides three practical action steps:

Map exposure & opportunities

Understand current tariffs vs. new exemptions/exclusions

Identify where sectoral shifts may affect your sourcing

Prepare for legacy frameworks to shift

USMCA review in 2026

New carve-outs in CAFTA-DR and other bilateral frameworks

Don’t pivot your supply chain based on rumors

Only respond to published Federal Register notices + CBP guidance

Model landed cost scenarios now to act quickly later

He also warns companies to anticipate supplier renegotiations if tariff burdens disappear—they may try to claw back FOB discounts.

Section 301 tariffs

Section 232 investigations

UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act)

WTO, GATT, and historical tariff frameworks

U.S. bilateral trade agreements and exemptions

Federal Register notices

CBP CSMS guidance

Series: Project Management (Episode 4)

In this fourth installment of the Project Management mini-series, Renee and Julie break down what happens after you've aligned stakeholders, gained approvals, and kicked off your trade compliance project.

This episode focuses on the real work — running the project, managing roadblocks, and keeping everything on track with structure, clarity, and communication.

Renee and Julie walk through four practical steps that successful project managers rely on, whether you're implementing trade software, managing a compliance program, or improving broker performance.

If you're involved in any ongoing project (big or small), this episode gives you a clear, repeatable framework that keeps tasks moving, risks controlled, and your team accountable.

Two types of meetings are essential:

Project Team Meetings: more frequent, tactical, working-level

Sponsor or Leadership Tag-Ups: higher-level updates, monthly/quarterly

These keep everyone informed, connected, and aligned.

A project without a plan… isn’t a project.

Microsoft Project

Excel (RAG status works great)

A shared issues log

Your issues log should track:

Item number

Description

Date opened

Responsible party

Date closed

Notes (timestamp each meeting)

The log keeps the team organized and accountable — without calling anyone out.

Projects evolve — and so do risks.

Track emerging risks

Flag issues for leadership

Prevent surprises during sponsor reviews

Every meeting should end with:

This creates a safe environment where team members feel heard, aligned, and empowered to raise real issues before they derail progress.

This week’s action:

Use Excel to track tasks, owners, dates, and notes. Send it out before and after each meeting.

Once you try it, share your results in the Trade Geeks Community!

Tell Renee and Julie how your issues log is working!

Hosts:

Renee Chiuchiarelli - LinkedIn

Julie Parks - LinkedIn

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.

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

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Host: Annik Sobing

In this week’s News Roundup, host Annik Sobing is joined by global trade expert Pete Mento for a fast-paced and deeply insightful conversation about how U.S. Customs and Border Protection is using AI-based targeting to detect valuation fraud, origin manipulation, and transshipment schemes.

Pete explains why AI represents a new era of enforcement — where anomalies, false declarations, forced labor indicators, and risky supplier networks can be identified in seconds. He also warns that companies who think they’re “getting away with” origin washing or transshipment are likely to be caught.

A high-energy, no-nonsense episode packed with real-world examples every importer needs to hear.

AI is now detecting anomalies in classification, valuation, and country-of-origin patterns at scale.

Federal agencies are treating AI outputs as actionable enforcement data — even while telling importers not to fully trust AI themselves.

Pete emphasizes clearly:

CBP’s data on supply-chain linkages (including forced-labor networks) makes origin washing easy to detect.

Companies with strong internal audits, clean documentation, and proactive supplier engagement will be best positioned if tariff refunds become available.

Importers relying on “but we’ve never been caught before” are in for a painful wake-up call.

Billions (potentially trillions) of dollars in tariffs mean CBP is operating more like a revenue agency than a facilitation agency.

Importers, suppliers, and freight forwarders are all facing tougher expectations for compliance.

Companies like Otana, Exiger, and E2Open (formerly Avalara Trade) are developing tools to help importers audit HTS, valuation, and supply chain risk.

Pete predicts that in 12–24 months, AI-driven compliance tools will become standard for freight forwarders and importers.

Pete shares a detailed and balanced projection:

The Court may rule narrowly against the legality of how certain tariffs were implemented.

Refunds may be possible — but the mechanism could create a massive administrative burden.

Only importers who preserved rights (filing suit, protests, or PAAs) may recover funds.

Other countries may adopt similar tariff structures as they watch U.S. revenue patterns.

Mexico’s 2026 tariff framework is highlighted as an example of forward notice and adjustment time.

Here are all items mentioned in the episode:

Article: “US Customs Will Use AI to Detect Tariff Cheats”

ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) – CBP’s entry & account system

ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association

Host: Annik Sobing — LinkedIn

Guest: Pete Mento — LinkedIn

Producer: Lalo Solorzano — LinkedIn

New Roundup episodes every week.

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Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?

Host: Cindy Allen

This week on Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen breaks down a whirlwind of trade developments—from the end of the federal shutdown to a rapid string of new tariff exemptions and reciprocal deals.

Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Death by a Thousand Cuts, Cindy explains how the industry isn’t being overwhelmed by one big policy shift, but by the relentless series of small, fragmented, high-impact changes that hit importers, customs brokers, and compliance teams day after day.

From air freight instability to Switzerland–U.S. negotiations, CAFTA carve-outs, and Argentina beef exemptions, Cindy sheds light on both the economic impact and the behind-the-scenes operational work that trade professionals must perform every time a new deal hits the headlines.

• The federal shutdown ends and the aviation system begins stabilizing

• U.S.–Switzerland trade deal announced

• Central America tariff revisions under CAFTA

• Argentina beef tariff reductions

Here’s a strong, concise paragraph version that keeps all the meaning but reads smoothly and professionally:

Cindy explains that today’s trade environment is overwhelming not because of one major policy shift, but because of the constant stream of piecemeal announcements that arrive without warning. Industry groups have little opportunity to offer input, and each new deal or exemption forces customs brokers into a full operational cycle—from interpreting vague notices and waiting for CSMS or Federal Register clarification to updating systems, revising SOPs, identifying affected HTS numbers, retraining teams, and notifying clients. Importers face a parallel burden as they update classifications, reevaluate landed costs, adjust sourcing and contracts, and communicate financial impacts across their organizations. With several new deals dropping within just a couple of days, teams are completing multiple implementation cycles back-to-back, making the pressure feel like a true “death by a thousand cuts.”

• The shutdown is over, but volatility continues across aviation and freight

• Global Training Center

• TradeForce Multiplier

Host:

Producer:

New episodes every Friday.

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

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Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles

Lila Landis – JAS Worldwide, Global Head of Compliance

Jason Kenner – Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg

Published: November 2025

This week on Simply Trade, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles dive into the recent Supreme Court hearings on IEEPA tariffs. What are the implications for trade compliance, importers, and exporters? Can tariffs truly be challenged, and what does that mean for revenue collection and the midterm elections?

Guests Lila Landis (JAS Worldwide) and Jason Kenner (Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg) provide expert insights on the legal arguments, practical impacts on compliance teams, and the political and economic consequences of the Court’s decision. They break down how emergency tariffs have been applied, the challenges of refunds, and what importers should expect moving forward.

Whether you’re a customs professional or a policy observer, this episode offers a clear and practical view of the rapidly evolving tariff landscape.

⚖️ The legal debate over IEEPA authority and presidential power to impose tariffs

“Even if IEEPA tariffs are struck down, it doesn’t mean tariffs go away — the administration has multiple other avenues.” — Lila Landis

“Customs knows who paid what, so refunds are feasible; the real question is when they will actually be issued.” — Lila Landis

“The importers had the better argument — both legally and in optics — because these tariffs have created real harms and volatility.” — Jason Kenner

“Trade compliance professionals must manage expectations within their organizations — the process will not be instant even if the Supreme Court rules against IEEPA.” — Lila Landis

JAS Worldwide

Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg

Global Training Center

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – ACE Portal

IEEPA Tariffs Overview

Hosts:

Lalo Solorzano

Andy Shiles

Guests:

Lila Landis – JAS Worldwide

Jason Kenner – Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg

Produced by: Global Training Center

Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.

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Trade Geeks Community

Hosts:

In this episode of Simply Trade [Tips], Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) dive into one of the most critical elements of project success — stakeholder alignment and financial support.

Building on their earlier discussions about identifying projects and crafting strong business cases, they now share how to get everyone — from team members to leadership — formally on board. Their secret? A practical, repeatable Two-Meeting Approach that helps move projects forward smoothly, even when feedback is tough.

Whether your project is big or small, this episode offers clear strategies to engage stakeholders, manage risk, and secure the sign-offs and funding you need to deliver results.

Identify Stakeholders Early – Use a “cradle-to-grave” process map to visualize every department, internal and external, that touches your project.

Engage Both Levels – Include leadership and the team members doing the work. Both perspectives are essential for success.

The Two-Meeting Approach:

Meeting 1: The Feedback Session – Present your proposal, collect input, and note “likes, concerns, and suggestions.” Don’t defend or persuade — just listen.

Meeting 2: The Resolution Session – Return with responses and mitigations for the feedback you received. This shows you listened, builds trust, and keeps the project moving forward.

Formalize the Sign-Off – Use a written approval document or form to ensure everyone agrees on cost, scope, and responsibilities.

Communicate Constantly – Hold regular working meetings to track issues and progress, plus separate leadership updates to share successes, risks, and next steps.

👉 Action Item: Try the Two-Meeting Approach — even for a small project.

Then, share your experience in the Trade Geeks Community!

Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and tell Renee & Julie:

Have you tried the Two-Meeting Approach?

What challenges or wins did you experience?

How do you get stakeholder buy-in for your projects?

Hosts:

Renee Chiuchiarelli

Julie Parks

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

🎙️ New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.

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

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Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn

Global Training Center on LinkedIn

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Trade Geeks Community

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📩 Want to be on the show or suggest a topic?

Host: Annik Sobing

In this week’s Simply Trade Roundup, Annik Sobing welcomes Joe Burks, importer at Yamaha, to unpack the very real challenges trade professionals face amid ever-changing tariffs, tight timelines, and limited resources.

From 301 and 232 tariffs to broker errors, Joe sheds light on the daily grind of staying compliant while keeping operations moving. He discusses how misapplied Chapter 99 codes, like those covering metal derivatives, can lead to a 50% spike in duties overnight — and how proactive auditing helped Yamaha recover over $52,000 in refunds.

Annik and Joe also dive into the human side of trade: burnout, job security, and the importance of communicating value to management. Joe shares how he secured an additional headcount by quantifying trade’s impact, proving that compliance teams can and do add measurable value.

The episode wraps up with a forward-looking conversation about AI in trade compliance, the Supreme Court’s review of tariffs, and the uncertainty around potential duty refunds. Joe’s advice? Don’t rely on policy changes — manage what you can control, audit your entries, and build resilience in your processes.

How 301 and 232 tariffs are creating major operational challenges for importers.

Why auditing broker work is critical — even when you’ve worked with them for years.

The impact of misapplied Chapter 99 exceptions on cost and compliance.

Practical ways to communicate your team’s value and get leadership buy-in.

How AI automation tools can help offset limited staffing and improve accuracy.

What trade professionals should watch for as the Supreme Court weighs in on tariffs and potential refunds.

Always audit your broker’s work — one misclassified entry could cost thousands.

Track and measure trade data to show results; “You can’t fix what you don’t measure.”

AI won’t replace compliance professionals but can automate manual steps.

Don’t depend on policy changes or refunds — focus on process control and accuracy.

Communicating trade’s financial value (e.g., duty refunds) can earn you a seat at the table.

Yamaha Motor Company

U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Section 301 Trade Remedies

U.S. Department of Commerce – Section 232 Tariffs

Global Training Center

Host: Annik Sobing

New Roundup episodes every week.

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

👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com

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

Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?

Host: Cindy Allen

This week on Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen takes inspiration from Taylor Swift’s End Game to unpack one of the most closely watched moments in international trade this year — the Supreme Court hearing on the IEEPA tariff case.

Speaking from Detroit while traveling during the ongoing federal shutdown, Cindy breaks down the key issues debated before the Court, from the meaning of “regulate imports” to the limits of presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

She also covers the new Section 232 tariffs on heavy-duty trucks and buses, the reduction in flights ordered by the FAA amid the shutdown, and the possible ripple effects across global supply chains.

New Section 232 tariffs effective November 10:

Reduction of IEEPA fentanyl tariffs to 10%

Details of the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history and its impact on:

Key moments from the Supreme Court IEEPA hearing (Nov 5):

What happens next — possible outcomes of the Court’s decision and their trade implications

The IEEPA case could reshape presidential trade authority and future tariff enforcement.

Refund scenarios range from automatic government-issued payments to lengthy entry-by-entry protests.

Even if IEEPA duties are struck down, Section 232 or 122 authorities could be used to reimpose tariffs.

De minimis relief is unlikely to return, regardless of the IEEPA ruling.

The decision may come faster than usual — possibly within a month — under pressure to resolve before 2026.

Supreme Court of the United States – Docket Information

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Federal Register – Section 232 Notices

U.S. Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security

U.S. Department of Transportation – FAA Announcements

Host:

Cindy Allen – LinkedIn

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

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

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Trade Geeks Community

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

Would you like me to now create a LinkedIn post for this episode — maybe something that ties in the End Game theme with the uncertainty and high stakes of the IEEPA Supreme Court hearing?

Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles

Anand Raghavendran– KYG Trade

Gagan Bhasin – VAO

What do hay bales, compliance teams, and artificial intelligence have in common? A lot more than you might think.

In this week’s Simply Trade episode, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles reflect on the evolution of automation — from manual fieldwork to cutting-edge AI tools transforming global trade. Recorded shortly after the ICPA Fall Conference, this episode dives into two of the biggest topics dominating the industry: tariff mitigation and AI-driven efficiency.

Guests Anand Raghavendran (KYG) and Gagan Bhasin (VAO) share how AI is revolutionizing classification, post-entry audits, document processing, and compliance monitoring — helping trade professionals do more with less. They also address the very real challenges of implementing AI responsibly, building organizational buy-in, and maintaining data security.

This conversation blends real-world examples, humor, and strategic advice — reminding every listener that AI isn’t replacing trade professionals… but those who know how to use it will be the ones who thrive.

“AI is never going to replace humans — it’s facilitating and improving the efficiency of the people behind it.” — Anand

“Trade professionals are the superheroes keeping supply chains stable. They may not wear capes, but they deserve all the support they can get.” — Gagan

“If you’re not learning AI, someone who is will replace you.” — Lalo Solorzano

KYG Trade

VAO

ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association

U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security – Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

Global Training Center

Hosts:

Lalo Solorzano

Andy Shiles

Guests:

Anand Raghavendran – KYG Trade

Gagan Bhasin – VAO

Produced by: Global Training Center

Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.

🎧 Listen on:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube

💬 Connect with us:

Simply Trade on LinkedIn

Global Training Center on LinkedIn

Trade Geeks Community

Hosts:

In this episode of Simply Trade [Tips], Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) continue their Project Management Series with a deep dive into one of the most crucial steps in any successful initiative — building the business case.

Whether your project is a small process improvement or a large-scale system redesign, having a clear and well-thought-out business case can make all the difference when it comes to securing buy-in and budget approval.

Renee and Julie break it down into four essential components:

From small departmental SOPs to enterprise-wide initiatives, this episode gives trade professionals the tools to articulate value and drive results.

Start with the BLUF — the bottom line your leaders need to see first.

Clearly define your problem statement before proposing a solution.

Don’t ignore avoidance costs — they’re real savings too.

Partner with Finance to quantify time, resources, and risk mitigation in monetary terms.

Be realistic with your timeline and dependencies — under-promise, over-deliver.

Communicate early and often with stakeholders to build support and flexibility.

👉 Action Item: Take the project you identified in Episode 1 and begin drafting your business case.

Start with a rough outline (“back of the envelope” style).

Identify your problem, proposed solution, and 2–3 measurable benefits.

Test it with peers or stakeholders and refine before formal submission.

Then, share your progress in the Trade Geeks Community!

Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and share:

What project are you building your business case for?

What challenges are you facing in defining your costs and benefits?

Have you tried pitching your project to leadership yet?

Hosts:

Renee Chiuchiarelli

Julie Parks

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

🎙️ New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.

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!

📩 Want to be on the show or suggest a topic?