Simply Trade

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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Trade Geeks Community

NCBFAA Counsel Update: What Trade Professionals Must Prepare for in 2026

Laurie Arnold

Nicole Bivens-Collinson — Legislative Advisor, NCBFAA

Cindy Thomas — Counsel, Partner Government Agencies

Ashley Craig — Transportation Counsel

Lenny Feldman — Customs & Trade Counsel

December 17, 2026

~50 min.

Global Training Center

This episode concludes Simply Trade’s four-part special collaboration with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), with NCBFAA hosting its own in-depth legal roundtable focused on what trade professionals must prepare for in 2026.

Moderated by Laurie Arnold, Secretary of NCBFAA, this candid discussion brings together the association’s legal counsel to unpack legislative priorities, regulatory uncertainty, enforcement trends, and agency staffing challenges impacting customs brokers, freight forwarders, and the broader trade community.

From tariff volatility and BIS rulemaking to FMC enforcement, PGA staffing shortages, and heightened CBP scrutiny, this final episode provides practical guidance and forward-looking insight for navigating an increasingly complex compliance environment.

Nicole Bivens-Collinson highlights legislative activity to monitor closely, including:

Potential restrictions on non-resident importers acting as importers of record

The proposed ADAPT Act, designed to curb last-minute tariff changes by requiring advance notice and implementation timelines

NCBFAA continues advocating for policy that is predictable, transparent, and operationally realistic for the trade community.

Cindy Thomas explains how Partner Government Agencies are experiencing:

Accelerated retirements and buyouts

Loss of institutional knowledge

Inconsistent enforcement and communication

Despite these challenges, agencies increasingly rely on NCBFAA to help communicate policy changes clearly and consistently to the trade community.

Ashley Craig discusses the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) 50% rule, currently suspended for one year:

The rule is expected to return in some form

Congressional intervention remains possible

Due diligence expectations on intermediaries continue to grow

The panel stresses that this pause should be used to prepare — not delay.

Ashley also outlines increasing enforcement activity by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), including:

Heightened scrutiny of tariffs and service contracts

Significant recent penalties

Ongoing regulatory uncertainty driven by staffing changes

Transportation compliance remains a key risk area heading into 2026.

Lenny Feldman provides insight into:

Aggressive CBP enforcement tied to tariff programs

Significant increases in duty collections through entry summary reviews

Elevated penalty exposure without mitigation strategies

He emphasizes proactive compliance, internal reviews, and preparation before CBP initiates enforcement actions.

Panelists recommend:

Ensuring importers maintain active ACE Portal access

Monitoring liquidation timelines and protest deadlines

Reviewing valuation, classification, and origin methodologies

Updating broker terms & conditions and powers of attorney

Conducting internal compliance reviews proactively

Preparation is no longer optional — it is essential.

Enforcement is increasing across CBP, BIS, FMC, and PGAs

Legislative and regulatory volatility is the new normal

NCBFAA advocacy plays a critical role in shaping workable policy

Brokers and forwarders are more essential than ever as compliance partners

Proactive strategy consistently outperforms reactive defense

National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

ACE Portal (Automated Commercial Environment)

Section 232, 301, and 201 Tariffs

BIS 50% Rule

BIS Affiliate Rule

ADAPT Act (Proposed)

Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022

Guest Host & Moderator:

Panelists:

Nicole Bivens-Collinson — Legislative Advisor, NCBFAA

Cindy Thomas — Counsel, Partner Government Agencies

Ashley Craig — Transportation Counsel

Lenny Feldman — Customs & Trade Counsel

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Trade Geeks Community

Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks

In this Trade Tip Tuesday episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks continue their Difficult Conversations series by shifting perspectives — from the pitcher to the catcher.

Not every tough conversation is initiated by you. Sometimes, you’re on the receiving end — caught off guard, underprepared, or unsure how to respond in the moment. This episode provides a practical framework to help trade professionals listen, respond, and lead with clarity when they’re the ones being approached.

Using the same GGCC acronym introduced in the previous episode, Renee and Julie walk through how to apply it when you’re the listener, ensuring difficult discussions remain productive, respectful, and solutions-focused.

When you’re the catcher in a difficult conversation, use the GGCC framework:

G — Gratitude

G — Gravity

C — Clarify & Commit

C — Closing (Consider, Comply, or Reject)

In trade compliance, logistics, customs, and global operations, difficult conversations are unavoidable — from resource constraints and compliance gaps to performance concerns and project pressures.

How you receive these conversations is just as important as how you initiate them. This framework helps:

Reduce defensiveness

Build trust and credibility

Create space for thoughtful, compliant decision-making

Strengthen leadership communication skills

Take a moment to pause and take inventory.

Ask yourself:

What difficult conversations might be coming my way?

What issues may be bubbling up in my team or organization?

Where could someone need clarity, support, or a decision from me?

Being mentally prepared — even without knowing specifics — allows you to respond with intention instead of reaction.

Once you’ve done your FIO, head into the Trade Geeks Community and let us know how it went.

👉 Trade Geeks Community

This episode builds directly on the previous discussion about being the pitcher. Be sure to listen to both — and don’t miss the upcoming role-play episode where Renee and Julie bring both perspectives together.

Hosts:

Renee Chiuchiarelli

Julie Parks

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

🗓️ New Simply Trade Tips episodes every Tuesday

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Host: Annik Sobing

GTC Course Details: 

Mergers & Acquisitions Course

In this Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing sits down with tech entrepreneur John Petitte to explore what really happens when technology meets trade. Coming from a software and AI background—not customs or logistics, John shares an “outsider” view on how critical, yet invisible, the trade compliance world is, and why it’s such a powerful use case for modern AI tools. The conversation covers how he and co‑founder Hal first targeted classification, where AI genuinely works today, and why current “agent” hype doesn’t match on‑the‑ground adoption.

Together, they unpack the difference between true productivity gains and marketing promises, why large language models fit text‑heavy work like trade compliance and law, and how small firms can use AI to punch above their weight instead of fearing job loss. Annik and John also dig into where AI is (and isn’t) a good fit—from code and internal tools to art, music, and marketing—and what trade professionals should focus on as 2026 approaches.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How a technologist first discovered trade compliance and saw opportunity in classification

Why trade is “hypercritical” to daily life yet largely invisible to the public

The gap between AI/agent hype and actual business adoption and ROI

The difference between large language models and other AI types (e.g., world models, robotics)

Why text‑heavy fields like trade compliance, law, and coding are prime candidates for LLMs

Practical examples of where AI already saves hours per week (e.g., internal tools, newsletters)

Why regulators still expect human “reasonable care” between AI outputs and government filings

How small brokers, consultants, and firms can use AI to compete with much larger players

Strategic tips for picking specific, narrow use cases instead of trying to “AI everything”

Key Takeaways

AI in trade is best used for focused, well‑defined tasks—not as a magic “replace everything” button.

Compliance remains insulated from full automation because regulators still require human oversight.

Small firms that ignore AI risk falling further behind large players who are already exploring it.

Understanding which type of AI you’re using (and why) is essential to getting real value, not just buzz.

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Host: Cindy Allen

In this “Cindy’s Version” news roundup, Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, uses Taylor Swift’s “Delicate” as the backdrop for a candid look at how fragile global trade feels right now. She walks through the latest data points on slowing U.S. imports, resilient China–world trade flows, and small-business confidence, then zooms in on a new Section 301 case against Nicaragua and what it signals about future trade actions.

Cindy also breaks down a recent Cato Institute report on effective U.S. duty rates, showing how average tariffs have climbed far above historic norms and why pre‑tariff stockpiling temporarily masks the true cost picture. She explains the mounting complexity of stacked tariffs, derivative duties, and the end of de minimis, as well as the uncertainty created by ongoing 232 and IEEPA actions and the landmark Supreme Court case. Throughout, she stresses how this volatility affects planning, hiring, and cash flow for importers and exporters—leaving many in a “delicate” position heading into the new year.

Key Takeaways

Average U.S. duty rates are far above pre‑tariff levels, and the true burden is still emerging.

Legal strategy around injunctions and refund rights is now central to trade risk management.

Tariff complexity and uncertainty have their own price tag—in planning, inventory, and talent.

For many companies, 2025 planning is less about perfect forecasts and more about building resilience in a very “delicate” trade environment.

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Episode: #408

Episode Summary

In one of our most powerful and revealing episodes of the year, Andy and Lalo sit down with Mike Musheinesh, CEO of Detroit Axle, to expose the real-world, real-human impact of the accelerated tariff changes implemented under the Trump administration.

This conversation is raw, emotional, and brutally honest.

Detroit Axle — a family-built, half-billion-dollar U.S. company employing hundreds across Detroit, El Paso, and Juarez — is now facing seismic pressures from massive tariff spikes, sudden de minimis repeal, skyrocketing materials costs, slowed consumer spending, and policy decisions made with little warning.

Mike breaks down:

This episode is the perfect capstone to a year full of tariff discussions — tying everything together through a real, relatable, human story.

 Key Learnings & Takeaways

Detroit Axle employs hundreds across three countries.

Tariffs on a million dollars of imports climbed:

Congress initially set a 2027 timeline.

Small businesses, U.S. e-commerce, border operations in El Paso/Juarez, and consumers all pay the price.

Countries such as India and Vietnam lowered tariffs on U.S. goods…

Mike explains the loss of:

The outcome may determine:

 Episode Resources

Detroit Axle – Learn more about Mike’s company:

Mike Musheinesh (LinkedIn)

Learn more about Global Training Center programs:

Trade Compliance Courses

Trade Strategist Training

Join the Trade Geeks Community:

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Episode: NCBFAA Spotlight: Understanding the Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC)

In this special collaboration episode with the NCBFAA, Lalo sits down with members of the Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) — the team that engages with all Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) outside of CBP on behalf of the brokerage, freight forwarding, and logistics community.

Committee Chair Michael Lahar, Vice Chair Adam Lees, and Counsel Cindy Thomas walk through the RAC’s unique role, its 15 subcommittees, and how 2025 proved to be one of the most unusual years in recent memory. From staffing reductions under the Department of Justice’s GOGE initiative, to the still-ongoing government shutdown, to FDA’s surprise launch of the National Entry Review (NER) Program, the RAC has spent the year rebuilding agency relationships, troubleshooting major regulatory changes, and guiding NCBFAA members through rapidly shifting expectations.

The conversation highlights the RAC’s critical liaison function — ensuring brokers aren’t left in the dark, building interagency cooperation, and helping PGAs understand how brokers function as “force multipliers” in the import ecosystem.

The episode closes with a forward look at 2026, including the CPSC and Fish & Wildlife ACE mandates, the National Marine Fisheries implementation of MMPA requirements, and what brokers need to prepare for now.

RAC represents brokers and freight forwarders across 15 PGA subcommittees, interacting with agencies from USDA and CPSC to FDA, EPA, APHIS, and Fish & Wildlife.

Government shutdown impacts varied widely across PGAs — some were fully dark, others partially functioning.

Staffing reductions under GOGE hit PGAs hard, creating delays and inexperienced replacements.

FDA’s National Entry Review (NER) Program launched with only 30 days’ notice, causing friction but improving week by week.

Interagency cooperation is growing, with agencies proactively engaging the RAC for the first time.

Brokers are increasingly recognized as “force multipliers” for enforcement efficiency.

2026 will bring major ACE mandates for CPSC and Fish & Wildlife — importers must prepare now.

AI is being used across PGAs, often without transparency.

Resilience across both industry and government was the defining theme of 2025.

Structure & mission of the RAC

PGA staffing and shutdown impacts

FDA NER rollout challenges

Rebuilding agency relationships

Interagency collaboration wins

AI use in trade enforcement

2026 ACE mandates (CPSC, FWS)

National Marine Fisheries MMPA enforcement

Preparing brokers for regulatory change

NCBFAA Annual Conference preview

NCBFAA – National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (Website)

FDA – National Entry Review (NER) Program (Referenced during the episode)

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Website)

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – ACE Filing Program (Website)

Global Training Center (Website)

Hosts:

Guests:

Produced by: Global Training Center

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Trade Geeks Community

Hosts

Renee Chiuchiarelli- LinkedIn

Julie Parks - LinkedIn

Published Date

December 9, 2025

Episode Length

~7 minutes

Episode Summary

The Pitcher’s Playbook for Difficult Conversations

In this second episode of the Difficult Conversations series, Renee and Julie break down how to navigate tough discussions when you are the one initiating them — the Pitcher role.

To make the process easier, they introduce a simple, repeatable acronym that works for any difficult conversation:

Greeting: Open with appreciation and set a positive tone

Groundwork: Provide context and explain why the conversation is needed

Concern: State the issue clearly, respectfully, and with the “why” behind it

Closing: Finish with a statement and a question to confirm alignment

This framework helps you stay organized, calm, and effective, no matter how uncomfortable the topic may be.

Key Learnings

Structure makes difficult conversations less stressful and more productive.

Appreciation (Greeting) and partnership (Groundwork) reduce defensiveness.

Clear, respectful articulation of your concern keeps the conversation constructive.

Ending with a clarifying question ensures you and the other person walk away aligned.

Writing out the GGCC ahead of time makes a big difference in how you show up.

GGCC will be used again in Episode 3, this time from the Catcher’s perspective.

Takeaways

Difficult conversations aren’t confrontations — they’re opportunities to collaborate.

“Respect” and “clarity” are the two qualities that make the GGCC method work.

Preparing your structure ahead of time prevents misunderstandings.

Tip of the Week

Use the GGCC framework (Greeting, Groundwork, Concern, Closing) to prepare your next difficult conversation.

FIO – Figure It Out (Call to Action)

This week, identify one difficult conversation you’ve been putting off.

Even if you don’t deliver it right away, having it ready makes you more confident and prepared.

Share your experience inside the Trade Geeks Community:

Resources Mentioned

This episode focuses solely on the GGCC structure — no external resources.

Hosts:

Renee Chiuchiarelli

Julie Parks

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

🎙️ Simply Trade is a podcast by Global Training Center, bringing practical insights to trade and customs professionals worldwide.

🎙️ New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.

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

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