"Trade has become much more complex, and it's become more complex for both government regulatory reasons, but also for business reasons that companies want to save money and they want to not have surprises in their product." - Tom Gould, Industry Expert
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Tom Gould, a renowned expert in the global trade industry. Tom shares his extensive career journey, from automating law firms in the early days of the IBM PC to becoming a leading consultant and advisor in the world of international trade.
Main Topics and Takeaways:
1. The Timeless Nature of Global Trade
- Tom Gould draws parallels between the trade practices of Christopher Columbus's era and the modern supply chain, highlighting the fundamental aspects of global trade that have remained unchanged over centuries.
- "Trade is an ancient industry, right? You can go back to the days of Christopher Columbus or the Silk Road, and really what was happening then international trade. And if we look at what was happening back hundreds of years ago in the way of international trade, and we compare it to what's happening today. Over the last few hundreds of years, things have operated very similarly."
2. The Evolving Regulatory Landscape
- Tom discusses the growing focus on supply chain traceability, driven by initiatives like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
- "If we look at some of the other initiatives that are out there that the governments are looking at, that the government agencies are looking at, whether it be a forced labor issue, free trade agreements, anti dumping, countervailing duties, or even things like environmental aspects."
3. Challenges in Sustainability and Recycling
- Tom highlights the challenges companies face in ensuring the sustainability and ethical sourcing of their products, particularly in the apparel industry, where the recycling of materials has become increasingly difficult.
- "The one that I, the one that I, I think about, is recycled. I don't know if you know, but clothing recycling no longer happens, or barely happens anymore. Why is that? Because the companies that bought the recycled material can no longer guarantee that no one fiber in their new in their product that was made with recycled material was made with forced labor."
4. Tom Gould's Expertise and Consulting Areas
- Tom shares his top three areas of expertise: retail products, complex duties, and de minimis shipments, highlighting the depth of his knowledge and the value he brings to his clients.
This episode provides a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of global trade, with insights from an industry pioneer, Tom Gould. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the historical context, regulatory challenges, and sustainability concerns that companies must navigate in the modern trade environment. Tom's expertise and practical advice offer valuable guidance for importers, exporters, and anyone involved in the complex world of international trade.
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Host: Andy Shiles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/
Host/Producer: Lalo Solorzano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/
Co-Producer: Mara Marquez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-marquez-a00a111a8/
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