Host: Cindy Allen

In this episode, Cindy Allen uses Taylor Swift’s “Anti‑Hero” to frame a frank look at how the trade community may be “the problem” when it over‑hypes uncertain outcomes—specifically, the long‑awaited Supreme Court decision on the IEPA tariffs. Cindy opens with a rundown of the first full week of 2026, focusing on growing confusion over valuation of steel and aluminum components for Section 232 duties and the wave of CBP Forms 28 and 29 now hitting importers. She highlights limited, high‑level CBP guidance, the strong FAQ work from NCBFAA, and cautions brokers not to drift into legal advice when it comes to component‑level valuation.​

Cindy then zooms out to reasonable care, arguing that CBP’s practical standard is rising because the agency now has sophisticated AI‑driven supply‑chain mapping tools that importers simply do not. As CBP expects more historic, component‑level data many importers never anticipated needing, companies are struggling to reach deep into multi‑tier supply chains where vendors themselves may not hold detailed records. She warns that technology investment will be essential to meet evolving expectations, even as the definition of “reasonable” shifts upward.​

The episode also touches on broader policy shifts, including a new FMC member and an importer registration/licensing bill floated as a possible alternative to tariffs—changes that could significantly expand CBP’s administrative responsibilities if enacted. Cindy closes by returning to “Anti‑Hero” and the IEPA Supreme Court case: after major trade publications and online chatter primed the industry for a decision that never came, she urges listeners not to become part of the problem by feeding speculation in unprecedented legal territory. Her own “crystal ball” points to a possible February decision, but with a clear warning to treat any prediction with caution and to focus instead on preparation, documentation, and patience.​

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Section 232 steel and aluminum component valuation has become so contentious, and what CBP is asking for in current 28s/29s.​

How the reasonable care bar is effectively rising as CBP leverages AI and multi‑layer supply‑chain mapping tools.​

Why brokers should stick closely to written guidance and leave complex valuation/legal positions to counsel and CBP centers.​

What a proposed importer registration/licensing regime could mean for CBP and importers if it moves forward.​

How the trade community over‑hyped an IEPA Supreme Court decision that did not drop—and why speculation can make the industry “the problem.”​

Key Takeaways

Start now: gather steel and aluminum component valuation documents and organize them so you can respond quickly to CBP inquiries.​

Expect CBP to assume you know (and can prove) more about your supply chain than you realistically do today; plan technology and data improvements accordingly.​

Be wary of social‑media “deadline certainty” around the IEPA case; no one outside the Court knows the exact timing.​

Don’t be the “Anti‑Hero” of your own program—avoid spreading rumors, focus on facts, and stay ready for multiple legal and policy scenarios.​

New Roundup episodes every week.

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Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano

Published: January 2026

Andy and Lalo kick off the new year with two of the most respected voices in international trade law — Adrienne Braumiller and George Tuttle — for a candid, fast-moving discussion on what importers should expect in 2026.

From skyrocketing tariffs and aggressive enforcement to constitutional questions surrounding presidential authority, this episode unpacks how the trade landscape has fundamentally shifted. Adrienne and George explain why many companies are feeling overwhelmed, how Customs enforcement has intensified, and where importers are most exposed — especially around country of origin, valuation, non-resident importers, and Section 232 derivative products.

The conversation also dives deep into IEEPA tariffs, potential Supreme Court rulings, refund uncertainty, and why enforcement actions like CF-29s, investigations without prior notice, and False Claims Act cases are becoming far more common.

If you import goods into the U.S. — especially steel, aluminum, copper, or products subject to anti-dumping or Section 301 — this episode is essential listening.

Adrienne Braumiller is the founder of Braumiller Law Group and a nationally recognized authority on customs law, trade remedies, and tariff mitigation strategies. She is known for helping companies navigate high-stakes enforcement actions and complex regulatory challenges.

George Tuttle III is the founder of Tuttle Law Offices and a leading expert in customs compliance, valuation, country of origin, and enforcement defense. George regularly advises importers on navigating audits, penalties, and evolving CBP interpretations.

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Podcast: Simply Trade Tips (Hammer & Heels)

In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks bring their Difficult Conversations series to life with a practical role-play scenario. Wearing their “Pitcher & Catcher” jerseys, they walk listeners through a real-world example of how to ask for a raise using their GGCC framework—a simple, repeatable approach designed to make tough conversations more productive, respectful, and collaborative.

This episode moves beyond theory and shows how preparation, tone, and structure can completely change the outcome of a high-stakes discussion.

Why difficult conversations improve when both sides understand their role as Pitcher (initiator) and Catcher (receiver)

How the GGCC framework works in real life:

G – Greeting: Set a respectful, appreciative tone

G – Groundwork: Explain the purpose and context

C – Concern: Clearly and directly state the issue

C – Closing: Align on next steps with a statement and a question

How to ask for a raise by focusing on role elevation and business value, not emotion

Why role-playing difficult conversations reduces tension and improves clarity

Write out difficult conversations before having them

Practice with a trusted colleague by switching Pitcher and Catcher roles

Focus on collaboration, not confrontation

Understand your company’s timing and cycles before initiating compensation discussions

Use structure to keep conversations professional and productive

Identify a difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding.

Write it out using the GGCC framework

Role-play it with someone you trust

Refine the language to ensure clarity, respect, and partnership

Bonus: Bring the scenario into the Trade Geeks Community and share what worked—or where you got stuck.

Trade Geeks Community: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/

Simply Trade Podcast:

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

Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks

Produced by: Global Training Center

Podcast: Simply Trade

Host: Annik Sobing

In this Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing sits down with global shipping and trade journalism leader Peter Tirschwell, the driving force behind the TPM Conference, to explore how a niche maritime newspaper event evolved into one of the premier gatherings in global container shipping. Peter shares the origin story of TPM: how the Journal of Commerce reinvented itself around 2000 by turning its deep reporting network into a live, editorially independent forum timed to the annual trans‑Pacific contract season.​

They discuss how TPM, held each March in Long Beach in the heart of the LA–Long Beach port complex, became a place where BCOs, carriers, NVOs, ports, and tech providers can gauge supply–demand balance, negotiate with better intelligence, and refresh critical relationships. Peter explains how the attendee mix has shifted over 25+ years, with hundreds of major shippers now present and representation from about 50 countries, turning TPM from a trans‑Pacific event into a broadly global container‑trade platform.​

How the Journal of Commerce pivoted from a collapsing print model to launch TPM as a data‑driven, neutral conference for BCOs and carriers.​

Why TPM is held in early March in Long Beach and how that timing aligns with trans‑Pacific contract cycles and port/rail/warehouse visits.​

How TPM’s strictly editorial program (no “pay‑to‑speak”) builds trust, attracts senior executives, and shapes real contract and routing decisions.​

How the attendee base has grown to include ~575 shipper companies and participants from around 50 countries, spanning Asia–Europe, North–South, and more.​

How 2025’s tariff shock—from ~2% to ~17–18% average duties—has pushed shippers to use TPM for cost‑reduction ideas, legal tariff strategies, and sourcing shifts.​

How TPM Tech and AI discussions are tackling repetitive-process automation, carrier cost reduction, and competitive risk if rivals adopt AI faster.​

Practical ways to “do TPM right”: coming in with a plan, choosing sessions strategically, and using the event to build and refresh critical relationships.​

TPM now functions as a market pulse + relationship engine: attendees leave with clearer views on capacity, pricing, risk, and who they can rely on when markets tighten.​

Shippers are under intense pressure from tariffs and volatility; events like TPM help them hunt for every legal saving—from transport choices to customs strategies.​

AI is moving “fast and hard” into container shipping; companies that ignore it risk being undercut on cost and losing business to more efficient competitors.​

To get real value from TPM, attendees should arrive with specific problems to solve, a prioritized session list, and pre‑planned meetings across their network.​

Host/Producer: Annik Sobing

TPM CONFERENCE DETAILS

New Roundup episodes every week.

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Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?

Host: Cindy Allen

The first Cindy’s Version episode of 2026 kicks off with reflection, perspective, and a clear-eyed look at how fundamentally global trade has changed. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Right Where You Left Me, Cindy Allen explains why many trade professionals feel stuck between old rules and a completely new enforcement reality.

While the holidays brought a brief pause in activity, the underlying shifts from 2025 are still very much in motion. From tariff threats that didn’t materialize, to delayed Section 232 actions, to long-awaited automation updates from CBP, Cindy walks through what changed—and what didn’t—over the past two weeks. More importantly, she explains why 2025 will be remembered as a pivotal year in trade history, on par with other transformational moments like containerization, air cargo, and automated clearance.

• Proposed 92% antidumping duties on Italian pasta were ultimately set far lower, avoiding combined duty rates exceeding 100%

• CBP announced all duty refunds will be issued electronically beginning in February

• COAC will meet virtually on January 14

Cindy explains that while trade professionals earned every bit of their experience in 2025, the rules of engagement have changed. Enforcement is heavier, actions are more industry-specific, and governments are using every tool available—sometimes in new and unexpected ways. Formal announcements are often replaced by rumors, social media posts, or informal signals, forcing the industry to operate in a constant state of readiness.

At the same time, the government expects the trade community to adapt just as aggressively—leveraging automation, data, and new technologies to meet rising compliance expectations. What was once a rigid, compartmentalized system has become layered and complex, operating simultaneously at the country, industry, company, and even product level. The challenge now is not getting stuck in the way trade “used to be,” but learning how to move forward in a system that no longer looks the same.

• 2025 marked a fundamental shift in how trade policy is applied and enforced

• Global Training Center

Host:

Producer:

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This episode sponsored by Pax

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

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Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano

As we kick off 2026, Andy and Lalo sit down with Ken Roberts, one of the most respected voices in global trade data and the founder of WorldCity, to cut through the noise and look at what the numbers actually say about U.S. trade.

This episode is a masterclass in data-driven trade storytelling. Ken walks listeners through the biggest shifts in global trade flows, explaining how U.S. trade relationships with Mexico, China, Canada, and Vietnam have evolved — and what those changes really mean for businesses making sourcing, routing, and investment decisions today.

The conversation covers everything from why Mexico is now the United States’ top trade partner, to how AI-driven server demand is reshaping imports, why gold exports are surging, and how de minimis and e-commerce shipments are quietly transforming trade volumes. Along the way, Andy and Lalo translate the data into real-world implications for compliance teams, logistics planners, and executive leadership.

If you work in trade, supply chain, or logistics — or if you need to explain trade impacts to senior leadership in plain English — this is an episode you’ll want to share.

Mexico has become the U.S.’s #1 trade partner — for imports, exports, and total trade.

China’s share of U.S. trade has dropped below 10% for the first time in decades.

AI infrastructure demand is driving massive growth in computer and server imports, especially through air cargo.

Gold exports are surging, driven more by price and economic uncertainty than volume.

De minimis and e-commerce shipments are reshaping both imports and exports.

Trade deficits don’t tell the whole story — they often reflect economic strength and consumer demand.

Rules of origin and enforcement will be a major theme in 2026, especially under USMCA review.

Trade policy moves slowly — even dramatic announcements take years to show up in the data.

U.S. trade trends heading into 2026

Why Mexico overtook China and Canada

Port and airport shifts (Chicago, JFK, Laredo, LA)

AI, servers, and Taiwan’s rise in trade rankings

Gold, energy exports, and economic uncertainty

De minimis, e-commerce, and low-value shipments

China trade diversion vs. true decoupling

What trade data means for routing, sourcing, and strategy

Ken Roberts (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenrobertsworldcitytradenumber/

WorldCity / U.S. Trade Numbers: https://ustradenumbers.com/

Ken Roberts on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenroberts/

U.S. Customs & Border Protection Trade Data: https://www.cbp.gov/trade

U.S. Census Bureau – Trade Statistics: https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade

This episode sponsored by Pax

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Hosts: Annik Sobing, Cindy Allen, Renee Chiuchiarelli, Julie Parks, Warrington Ellacott, Andy Shiles, Lalo Solorzano

In this historic Simply Trade year-end roundtable, all seven hosts gather for the first time to reflect on 2025's chaotic trade landscape. From "frantic" and "exhausting" to "unprecedented" and "unbelievable," the group shares one-word summaries of the year before diving into favorite moments, biggest lessons, and personal connections that defined their podcast journeys.​

Highlights include Annik's motivational interviews with trailblazers like Amy Morgan and Frank Desiderio, Cindy's embrace of her "Taylor Swift of Trade" persona sparked by Annik, Renee and Julie's "Hammer & Heels" reconnection and FIO ("Figure It Out") philosophy, Warrington's standout pods on cross-border realities, Andy's pride in the show's growth amid rapid policy shifts, and Lalo's impactful SMB stories like Detroit Axle's tariff struggles. The conversation captures raw emotions—from grief stages to mental health concerns—while celebrating trade's new C-suite spotlight and the power of community, collaboration, and "news you can use."​

Each host's one-word summary of 2025 trade: opportunity, frantic, exhausting, chaos, unbelievable, unpredictable, upside-down.​

Personal favorite moments, from inspirational journeys (taxis to trade) to real-world SMB tariff pain and unexpected connections.​

How podcasts fostered reconnection, motivation, and practical tips amid chaos (e.g., "FIO," boardroom translation, trade strategist skills).​

The human side: grief stages, mental health strains, and why trade pros stepped up like never before.​

2026 previews: dual playbooks, SMB advocacy, USMCA uncertainty, and upcoming webinars like Hammer & Heels' free FIO coaching hour.​

2025 elevated trade compliance from "bowels of the organization" to boardroom essential—now translate complexity into executive action.​

Connection is king: podcasts sparked mentorships, reconnections, and motivation across experience levels.​

SMB voices matter: real stories like Detroit Axle's highlight policy's human cost; amplify via associations and groups.​

Amid chaos, focus on basics: FIO (Figure It Out), bite-sized learning, and community support for mental health and strategy.​

Hosts:

Annik Sobing – Roundup Host

Cindy Allen – Cindy's Version (Taylor Swift of Trade)

Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks – Hammer & Heels Tips

Warrington Ellacott – Canadian Pod

Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano – Founders

New episodes weekly in 2026!

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Host: Annik Sobing

In this Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing is joined by international trade and economic diplomacy expert Maria Pechurina for a deep dive into BRICS and what it means for global trade in 2026. Maria, who has a strong background in Chinese studies and international relations, explains how BRICS has expanded from its original five members to a much broader “BRICS Plus” bloc that now includes countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, representing roughly 40% of global GDP, over 40% of the world’s population, about a quarter of global merchandise exports, and potentially half of the world’s oil production.​

Together, they explore how aggressive U.S. tariff policy in 2025 has accelerated a shift toward deeper BRICS cooperation and a more bipolar trading system. Maria illustrates this with examples such as U.S. tariffs on India that pushed New Delhi closer to Beijing and other BRICS partners, and she unpacks the growing trend toward non‑dollar settlement channels and local‑currency trade within the bloc. The conversation then turns to what all of this means for U.S.‑based trade and customs professionals, including the need to think in terms of “two playbooks” (U.S./EU vs. BRICS‑linked trade), prepare for more politically driven tariffs, and build scenarios and risk matrices that reflect a permanently more volatile environment.​

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What BRICS and “BRICS Plus” are, who is involved, and why the bloc now represents a major share of global GDP, population, exports, and oil production.​

How U.S. tariffs and sanctions pressures in 2025 pushed countries toward deeper intra‑BRICS cooperation and regional trade (e.g., India–China, China–Brazil).​

Why 2025 effectively “broke” the old multilateral trade model and how 2026 is likely to cement a more bipolar system (U.S./EU vs. BRICS‑centric tracks).​

The rise of non‑dollar settlement and alternative payment systems, including local‑currency trade between Russia, China, India, and Brazil, and what that implies for dollar demand.​

How tariffs are increasingly used as political leverage, including “secondary” or punitive tariffs tied to countries’ domestic or foreign policy choices.​

What a dual‑track supply chain strategy looks like in practice for U.S. importers and compliance teams.

Key Takeaways

BRICS is no longer a fringe coalition; it is a central, growing pillar of global trade and energy, with China as a major center of gravity.​

U.S. and EU trade professionals must be ready to manage two distinct regulatory environments at once, with different expectations on origin, currency, sanctions, and documentation.​

Politically driven, rapidly announced tariffs will remain a major planning risk, making scenario modeling and proactive supplier strategies essential.​

Smaller and mid‑sized companies can amplify their influence by working through trade and industry groups to communicate real‑world impacts to policymakers.​

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Host: Cindy Allen

In this year-end “Cindy’s Version” of Simply Trade, Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, uses Taylor Swift’s “The Manuscript” to frame a look back at 2025’s trade story. She recaps the latest developments—from the Court of International Trade’s surprise ruling on the Costco injunction and IEPA liquidation concerns to a new Switzerland–Liechtenstein trade deal and CBP’s long‑awaited “stacking” spreadsheet. Cindy also highlights the U.S. government’s announcement that it collected 200 billion dollars in new tariffs this year, and what that really means for importers’ bottom lines.

Using “The Manuscript” as a metaphor, Cindy walks through the big chapters of this year in trade: unprecedented use of authorities like IEPA and 232, the temporary shock of 145% China tariffs, the demise of de minimis, a jump in effective average duty rates, and a surge in complexity around stacking, derivative tariffs, and country‑of‑melt reporting. She also touches on ACE edit‑check gaps, compressed implementation timelines, expanded ACAS data requirements, and pilots like the Global Business Identifier that signal a move toward progressive filing and deeper supply chain visibility. Cindy closes by reflecting on the vital role of trade associations, community, and collaboration—and shares her hope that next year’s “manuscript” reads more like a romantic comedy than an action thriller.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What the CIT’s ruling in the Costco/IEPA case really means for injunctions and refunds

Key updates: Switzerland–Liechtenstein trade deal, CBP stacking spreadsheet, and tariff collections

How IEPA and 232 were used in new, expansive ways—including derivative and fentanyl‑related tariffs

The “demise of de minimis” and its impact on trade flows and compliance workloads

Why average effective duty rates have jumped from ~2–3% to around 17%

How trade “deals” differ from formal FTAs and why they complicate stacking rules

New data, timing, and ACE challenges: melt/cast reporting, missing edit checks, and 1‑day rollouts

The growing role of pilots like GBI and progressive filing in reshaping future entry processes

Why uncertainty itself—legal, financial, and operational—has become a major cost driver

Key Takeaways

2025’s trade “manuscript” is defined by unprecedented authority use, higher duty rates, and much more complexity.

Rapid‑fire changes, thin guidance, and limited ACE edit checks have shifted more risk and responsibility onto importers, brokers, and software providers.

Community, collaboration, and strong industry groups (ICPA, NCBFAA, AAEI, COAC) are essential to interpreting and managing ongoing change.

As the trade community turns the page to a new year, the goal is a calmer, more predictable “script”—with fewer action scenes and more stability.

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Episode: Simply Trade #413

Alex Martin, Transfer Pricing Specialist, KBKG

Tariffs have changed everything — and many companies are still missing the second-order effects.

In this episode, Andy and Lalo sit down with Alex Martin of KBKG to unpack one of the most misunderstood (and increasingly risky) intersections in global trade: transfer pricing and customs valuation.

As tariffs rise from single digits to 25%, 50%, and beyond, decisions once made solely by tax or finance teams now carry massive customs consequences. Alex explains how multinational companies are getting “whipsawed” between Customs and the IRS — one pushing values up for duty, the other pushing values down for income tax.

This conversation makes one thing crystal clear: customs, tax, finance, and compliance can no longer operate in silos.

Whether you’re an importer, trade compliance professional, CFO, or tax leader, this episode highlights why cross-functional coordination is now essential — not optional.

Transfer pricing impacts both customs duties and income tax — often in conflicting ways

Rising tariffs have turned valuation into a material financial risk, not an academic exercise

Customs looks at transactions line-by-line, while tax authorities focus on annual results

CFOs and tax directors must now actively engage with trade compliance teams

Poor coordination can increase audit risk, cash-flow pressure, and margin erosion

Programs like FTZs, bonded warehouses, drawback, and cost bifurcation can help mitigate exposure

Asking for transfer pricing documentation is a powerful first step for trade teams

This episode stresses the importance of assembling a multi-disciplinary team, including:

Trade Compliance

Tax & Transfer Pricing

Finance / CFO leadership

Accounting (AP / AR)

Pricing & Sourcing

International affiliates and parent companies

If tariffs have changed your margins, they’ve already changed your tax picture — whether you’ve addressed it or not.

Strategic transfer pricing adjustments can reduce customs duties by lowering inventory values and separating non-dutiable management fees

Many companies overlook the income tax benefits of transfer pricing, especially when foreign entities are profitable while U.S. operations show losses

Transfer pricing changes can significantly lower a company’s global effective tax rate when aligned correctly

KBKG regularly hosts transfer pricing education sessions to help trade professionals understand intercompany pricing from a tax perspective

KBKG also supports companies with R&D tax credits, cost segregation, and green energy incentives, alongside transfer pricing services

Learn more:

Article: Higher Tariffs Are on the Way

Free Webinar (CPA Academy): Transfer Pricing & Tariff Savings Strategies

Article: Higher Tariffs Are on the Way

Free Webinar (CPA Academy): Transfer Pricing & Tariff Savings Strategies

KBKG – Transfer Pricing & Tax Advisory

Alex Martin – LinkedIn

U.S. Customs Valuation Methods (WTO / CBP)

IRS Transfer Pricing Overview (Section 482)

Global Training Center – Customs Valuation E-Learning Course

Foreign Trade Zones (U.S. FTZ Board)

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