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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

Host: Annik Sobing

In this Simply Trade News Roundup, host Annik sits down with leading trade compliance consultant Elizabeth Lomax to tackle the timely and turbulent world of the pharmaceutical supply chain. With shifting trade rules, tariff threats, and regulatory uncertainty dominating industry headlines, Elizabeth shares real-world insight into how manufacturers—especially smaller innovators—are navigating anxiety, adapting compliance processes, and preparing for possible disruption. The conversation breaks down executive orders, HTS code strategy, the impact of de minimis changes, and the crucial role of documentation.

Together, they address how ongoing tariff debates, differential exemption policies, and rapid-fire policy shifts are shaping both immediate risk and long-term strategy for pharmaceutical companies of all sizes.

Host: Annik Sobing

New episodes every week.

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Host: Lalo Solorzano (filling in for Cindy Allen)

This week’s Cindy’s Version comes with a twist — Cindy is on vacation in Cancun, so Lalo Solorzano takes over the mic and drives this week’s episode down a different track: Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne.

In true Gen X fashion, Lalo blends heavy metal attitude with the week’s biggest trade updates, covering everything from Senate tariff votes and CBP’s new Section 232 duties to fresh U.S.–China developments and new trade frameworks across Southeast Asia.

From tariff fatigue and AI adoption to collaboration and mentorship, this Halloween-themed episode keeps the humor high and the insights real — proving that even in global trade, we’re all riding the same crazy train.

Senate blocks two key trade measures:

Why lawmakers warned that reciprocal tariffs risked igniting a global trade war

CBP guidance on new Section 232 duties for:

Trump–Xi meeting updates: possible 10% tariff rollback on Chinese goods and renewed soybean imports

New reciprocal trade frameworks with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia

Highlights from the ICPA Fall Conference panel “Duty Calls” — hosted by Global Training Center and Simply Trade

Tariff Fatigue & Strategy: Don’t just react to constant changes — build adaptable systems.

Automation & AI: Smart use of AI for classification and drawback can improve compliance efficiency.

Collaboration: Compliance can’t live in a silo — involve procurement, finance, logistics, and engineering.

Mentorship & Talent: You can’t complain about the lack of talent if you’re not helping grow it.

Mindset: Trade doesn’t run on policy alone — it’s driven by people with passion and purpose.

Congress blocks new tariffs.

CBP rolls out new ones.

U.S. and China hint at a handshake deal.

Southeast Asia signs new reciprocal agreements.

And trade experts remind us: stay calm, stay informed, and keep your systems ready.

Or as Ozzy says — “It’s crazy, but that’s how it goes.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Federal Register – Section 232 Notices

ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association

U.S. Department of Commerce – Trade Updates

Host:

Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

Producer:

Global Training Center

Special thanks to:

Cindy Allen – LinkedIn

Trade Force Multiplier

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 Shales

In this Halloween Week special, the Simply Trade hosts dig into real-life trade horror stories that will make any exporter’s blood run cold.

Attorney Josh Rodman from Schulz Trade Law joins Lalo and Andy to share two spine-chilling case studies where export compliance went sideways — despite good intentions. From ballistic helmets misclassified under the wrong ECCN to shipments to Russia caught in the tangled web of ever-changing export controls, this episode proves that in trade, even honest mistakes can summon costly consequences.

Josh explains how voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs) can save a company from financial nightmares and why staying current with export regulations is critical to avoid getting haunted by unexpected investigations or penalties.

This episode blends legal insight with cautionary tales — perfect for your Halloween listening lineup!

Real-world export control “horror stories”

Misclassification of military equipment under ECCNs

Voluntary Self-Disclosures (VSDs) and how they mitigate penalties

OFAC subpoenas and overlapping U.S. government investigations

Russian sanctions, HTS code–based restrictions, and transshipment red flags

How exporters can protect themselves through due diligence and expert review

Schulz Trade Law

Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

OFAC – U.S. Treasury Sanctions Programs

U.S. Department of Commerce – BIS

Global Training Center

🎧 Credits

Hosts:

Lalo Solorzano

Andy Shiles

Guests:

Josh Rodman - Schulz Trade Law

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

Stay up to date with Simply Trade — the podcast that makes international trade easy to understand (and sometimes spooky 👻).

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It’s a special Halloween edition of Simply Trade [Tips] with Hammer and Heels (Renee & Julie)! 🎙️

In this spooky seasonal episode, the hosts share “scary compliance stories” that every trade professional can learn from — tales of audits that wouldn’t die, supply chain skeletons, and hauntingly complex importer-of-record issues.

Between these frighteningly true stories and a fun “Trick-or-Treat: Fact or Fiction” lightning round, listeners will pick up valuable lessons about risk, recordkeeping, and compliance best practices — all while getting into the Halloween spirit.

Importer of Record Issues: Never assume your company should make entry — confirm the proper party has the right to do so.

Audit Nightmares: A prior disclosure can protect you from penalties, but only if it’s complete and accurate. Double-check everything before submitting.

Trick or Treat: Compliance Edition!

Can CBP review your General Ledger? ✅ Treat!

Do you need to reconcile quantity variances with Customs entries? ✅ Treat!

Is your broker solely responsible for recordkeeping? ❌ Trick! Importers must maintain their records for at least five years.

Is a parts database a strong compliance tool? ✅ Treat! It helps ensure data accuracy and consistency.

👉 This week’s action item:

Are your prior disclosures accurate and auditable?

Is your importer of record process clear?

Do your records meet the five-year rule?

And since it’s Halloween… figure out your costume, too! 🎭

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

Your own “scary compliance story.”

How you’ve handled tricky audits or importer-of-record nightmares.

And, of course, what you’re dressing up as for Halloween!

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

Host: Annik Sobing

In this Halloween special on Simply Trade, host Annik sits down with air cargo leader Donna Mullins. With 34+ years navigating international logistics, Donna shares “horror stories” from neglected air cargo facilities, underfunded infrastructure, and the everyday challenges that haunt supply chains. They talk about why air cargo—though only 5% of total shipment volume—carries 35% of value and why modernizing this sector is urgent for the entire trade community.

Discover where the U.S. lags behind, how Donna’s advocacy is driving real industry change, and why collaboration among business, government, and tech is essential to exorcise inefficiency from the system.

GAO Report to Congressional Committees – Air Cargo – DOT Should Communicate Data Limitations and Identify Stakeholder Challenges - https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-25-107334.pdf

Host: Annik Sobing

Producer: Lalo Solorzano

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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Host: Cindy Allen

This week, Cindy Allen — the Taylor Swift of Trade — draws inspiration from I Did Something Bad to explore one of the biggest trade compliance challenges happening right now: CBP’s surge in broad and complex Requests for Information (CF-28s and CF-29s).

Cindy breaks down what these new inquiries mean for importers, especially those dealing with Section 232 duties, component-level valuation, and IEEPA-related exemptions. She also discusses the latest updates on the U.S.–China trade relationship, new tariffs on vehicles and buses, the continuing government shutdown, and the upcoming IEEPA Supreme Court hearing.

If you’ve received a CF-28 that looks more like a full audit than a question, this episode is for you.

Hosts:

Producer:

New episodes every Friday.

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

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