Simply Trade

Host: Annik Sobing

Published: October 20,  2025

Presented by: Global Training Center

ACE Up Your Trade Game: Turning Data into Compliance Intelligence

This week on Simply Trade, host Annik Sobing sits down with trade data expert Michelle Frennier to explore one of the most powerful—and underused—resources in compliance: ACE, the Automated Commercial Environment.

Together, they dive into how companies can use ACE not just for entry filings and reporting but as a living system of business intelligence. From identifying tariff misclassifications and broker inconsistencies to predicting compliance risks before CBP does, Michelle breaks down how to transform ACE data into proactive strategy.

Whether you’re new to ACE or already using it daily, this episode will show you how to make the system work for you—revealing errors, trends, and opportunities buried inside your own trade data.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How ACE works—and why every importer and exporter should have an account

What ACE reveals about your company’s compliance “story”

How to set up accounts, assign users, and customize reports

Common mistakes companies make when they ignore ACE data

Auditing through exceptions instead of endless sampling

How ACE helps identify anomalies automatically

Using Excel pivot tables and filters to visualize compliance trends

The difference between manual audits and automated exception-based reviews

Real-world risk reduction and “aha” moments from ACE users

Spotting manufacturer ID errors, missed CF-28 notices, or outdated tariff entries

How to tie ACE reports to actual duty savings and corrective action

Ways brokers and importers can collaborate on data quality using weekly reports

Export insight through ACE and why it matters now

Tracking where your exports are filed and why ACE visibility helps reduce enforcement risks

How to find unauthorized or incorrect export filings under your company name

Why ACE data is critical amid the new 50% rule and SDN ownership restrictions

ACE for leadership and ROI

How to turn ACE reports into C-suite scorecards

Building credibility and securing a compliance “seat at the table”

Making your data-driven story part of enterprise risk strategy

Tips for Getting Started:

Apply for your free ACE importer or exporter account directly through CBP.

Assign trusted company users and maintain strong access controls.

Run and save template reports for regular review—don’t treat ACE as an archive.

Communicate findings early; catching errors before CBP does is always cheaper.

Key Takeaways:

ACE is more than a filing platform—it’s the single source of truth for your trade data history.

Learning to read and work with your ACE data helps you correct errors before CBP finds them.

With exception-based auditing, automation strengthens compliance oversight while keeping humans in control.

ACE offers visibility, transparency, and credibility—three essentials for compliance leaders seeking strategic impact.

Resources & Mentions:

Michelle Frennier

E-Mail: [email protected]

— CBP Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Overview:

https://www.federalregister.gov/automated-commercial-environment-ace-

— ACE Reports and Account Access:

— ACE for Export Filings and Electronic Manifests:

— ACE Tutorials and FAQs:

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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Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?

Host: Cindy Allen

Published: October 17, 2025

Length: ~11 minutes

Presented by: Global Training Center

This week, Cindy Allen — the Taylor Swift of Trade — opens with the song "Wish List" from Taylor’s latest album to frame a candid look at the current landscape for international trade professionals.

Cindy launches with a snapshot of the ongoing U.S. government shutdown and its impacts on trade facilitation, CBP operations, and agency holds, noting which agencies are coping and where the pain points are starting to show. She also discusses the latest on vessel and container fees targeting China-linked shipping, and the rollout of new environmental "green fee" proposals gaining traction with international regulators.

Cindy moves on to cover major industry developments, from continued Section 232 duty adjustments on pharmaceuticals and heightened scrutiny on origin-specific duties, to the broader market response as recent tensions with China appear to cool—at least for now.

Wrapping up, Cindy connects this week’s trade turbulence to the themes in “Wish List”—emphasizing the profession’s desire for a return to routine and the growing “Make Trade Boring Again” movement among customs brokers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

U.S. government shutdown: Trade impact and operational status by agency

Week three status update on CBP, FDA, CPSC, USDA, and smaller agencies

How agency holds and exams are affecting shipments

New vessel/container fees and carrier rerouting after China-related restrictions

October 14 implementation and compliance guidance for carriers

Cost impact—and what’s (not yet) being passed on to importers

Section 232 pharma update and reciprocal duty challenges

Delayed new tariffs for pharmaceuticals and incentives to manufacture in the U.S.

Complications for brokers: layering, exemptions, and compliance tools

China trade relations and tariff risk

Why the threatened 100% duty on Chinese goods for November 1 is unlikely

Market reaction to de-escalation signals

New “green fee” proposals and the U.S. response

IMO, WTO, and WCO push for environmental surcharges

President Trump’s stance and potential U.S. actions

Customs brokerage in the spotlight

How recent media coverage has changed the industry

The call to “Make Trade Boring Again”—and why that’s on Cindy’s wish list

Key Takeaways:

The shutdown has yet to cause a major breakdown in trade flows, but agency-specific disruptions are mounting.

Vessel/container fees are being absorbed through creative routing—importers haven’t seen extra charges, but the future is uncertain.

Section 232 duties remain a compliance headache, especially with new exemption and layering rules.

Signs of a U.S.–China trade thaw this week bring relief and market stability, halting expectations of major new tariffs.

Trade professionals everywhere are wishing for normalcy: less drama, fewer surprises, and a return to boring, reliable compliance work.

Resources & Mentions:

— CBP, FDA, CPSC, USDA shutdown operational notices

— Section 232 duty update bulletins

— Taylor Swift: Wish List, The Life of a Show Girl (referenced)

— Make Trade Boring Again campaign (NCBFAA)

Hosts:

Cindy Allen – LinkedIn

Trade Force Multiplier

Producers:

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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Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles

In this episode, Andy and Lalo are joined by Simran Dalvi of CITTA Customs Brokers to demystify one of the most underutilized trade programs in the U.S. — Duty Drawback.

As companies struggle to manage tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and unpredictable trade policy shifts, Simran explains how duty drawback can become a strategic financial tool rather than an afterthought.

They discuss how importers can recover millions in duties by improving documentation, applying for drawback privileges, and aligning teams across compliance, logistics, and finance.

💰 What duty drawback is — and how it can uncover hidden revenue opportunities

Duty drawback is a privilege, not a right — accuracy and documentation are everything.

Companies can recover up to five years’ worth of duties on eligible imports.

Drawback privileges allow for faster refunds and simplified claim processing.

CBP’s backlog and staff shortages mean proactive preparation is key.

Many importers qualify for drawback without even realizing it — and could be sitting on “millions in their pocket.”

CITTA Customs Brokers – Duty Drawback Specialists

CITTA Blog: Understanding Drawback Privileges

CBP – Duty Drawback Overview

ACE Portal – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

AAEI – American Association of Exporters and Importers

Global Training Center

Hosts:

Lalo Solorzano

Andy Shiles

Guest:

Simran Dalvi – Duty Drawback Specialist, CITTA Customs Brokers

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

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

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Would you like me to also draft the LinkedIn promo post for this episode? I can make it center around the quote “It’s like finding a $20 bill in your pocket — except it’s millions” from Simran.

Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie Parks

In this final episode of the Career mini-series, Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) talk about one of the most critical — and often overlooked — aspects of career growth: continuing education.

They share how lifelong learning not only builds credibility and compliance strength but also demonstrates leadership, engagement, and care for your team and company.

Why Targeted Training Matters – Traditional education can only go so far. Trade professionals grow fastest through focused, real-world learning like Global Training Center’s import/export certifications and broker CEU programs.

Set an Education Standard – Create a skills and behavior matrix for your team. Identify not just technical skills, but also soft skills like curiosity, decision-making, and the ability to say “pause” or “no” when compliance demands it.

Build the Business Case for Training – The cost of training is far less than the cost of turnover. Invest in your existing talent and highlight how learning reduces risk and strengthens company culture.

Think Globally – Don’t limit yourself to U.S. training programs. Look into courses offered in other countries (Ireland, Australia, etc.) for new perspectives on familiar trade topics.

👉 This week’s action item: Set a professional education goal for yourself — or your team — this quarter. Identify one new course, certification, or skill area to pursue, and if you need buy-in, build your business case showing the ROI of training versus rehiring.

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

Have you set an educational goal for yourself or your team?

Do you have a business case for training investment?

Which course or certification are you tackling next?

Hosts:

Producer:

🎙️ 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 have topic suggestions?

Host: Annik Sobing

In this Simply Trade Roundup episode, Annik Sobing welcomes back Bonnie Gutz, an expert in international trade regulation, compliance, and strategic trade leadership. Together, they explore how Europe is reshaping trade policy to balance growth and sustainability — and what that means for trade professionals worldwide.

The discussion kicks off with Europe’s newly finalized EU–Indonesia trade agreement, which removes tariffs on over 98% of goods. Bonnie breaks down the opportunities and the controversies surrounding this deal, particularly its overlap with the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). From palm oil and environmental impact to the politics of delaying green rules, this episode dives deep into Europe’s evolving priorities.

The conversation then shifts to the emergence of the “Trade Strategist” — a new kind of professional who integrates trade policy, finance, and compliance to help companies plan long-term. Finally, Annik and Bonnie discuss the WTO’s recent study on artificial intelligence and its prediction that AI could increase international trade by up to 40% over the next 15 years.

Key details of the EU–Indonesia Free Trade Agreement and its 98% tariff reduction.

How Europe’s environmental commitments — especially the EUDR — are being tested by economic and political realities.

Why palm oil sits at the center of the trade-versus-sustainability debate.

The emerging role of a Trade Strategist and why every global company may soon need one.

How AI and automation could increase global trade efficiency by 30–40%, according to the WTO.

The EU’s trade expansion efforts sometimes conflict with its sustainability goals, forcing hard policy choices.

The EUDR delay sparked pushback from businesses already prepared for its rollout — showing how compliance expectations are shifting.

The concept of a Trade Strategist reflects the growing intersection of compliance, strategy, and executive leadership.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming trade operations — from tariff classification to strategic forecasting.

Businesses that embrace AI early will likely lead in efficiency, compliance accuracy, and strategic agility.

European Commission – EU–Indonesia Trade Agreement Announcement

EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

World Trade Organization – AI & Global Trade Study

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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Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?

Host: Cindy Allen

This week, Cindy Allen — the Taylor Swift of Trade — opens with the song Bigger Than the Whole Sky to deliver both a critical trade update and a heartfelt reflection.

Cindy begins by covering breaking developments in U.S.–China trade, including new restrictions on rare earth minerals and lithium batteries, retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-owned ships, and the potential escalation of mutual trade barriers. She also breaks down recent CBP clarifications on Section 232 duties for timber and lumber products, including tariff rates, exemptions, and country-specific limitations for the UK, Japan, and the EU.

The episode then takes a more personal turn as Cindy pays tribute to Anne Lister, co-founder of the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA), who passed away unexpectedly earlier this week. Through anecdotes, history, and heartfelt memories, Cindy honors Anne’s legacy, her contributions to the trade community, and the profound impact she had on those who knew her.

China’s three new trade actions against the U.S.:

U.S. response and potential new tariff increases under Section 232

CBP clarification on lumber and timber tariffs, including duty rates and exemptions

How the UK, Japan, and the EU negotiated reduced rates under 232 agreements

The legacy of Anne Lister, co-founder of ICPA, and her lasting influence on trade compliance professionals

China’s latest actions signal a deepening trade rift and potential escalation in tariff retaliation.

CBP’s timber and lumber clarification provides critical insight into product classification and country exemptions.

U.S. importers must monitor changes closely as new 232 measures take effect.

The global trade community remembers Anne Lister — a visionary who helped shape modern compliance education and connection.

Federal Register – Section 232 Tariff Notices

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA)

Hosts:

Cindy Allen – LinkedIn

Trade Force Multiplier

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

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Host: Warrington Ellacott

In this Simply Trade: Canada Edition, host Warrington Ellacott from the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters (IE Canada) sits down with returning guest William Pellerin of McMillan LLP for a candid conversation about how the shifting trade landscape is reshaping Canada’s import–export community.

From IEEPA tariffs and Canada’s retaliatory measures to new tariff rate quotas (TRQs) and countervailing duty cases, Warrington and Will break down the latest developments affecting manufacturers, exporters, and importers across the country.

They also explore how global supply chains are being redrawn along new geopolitical lines — and how Canadian provinces, policymakers, and the private sector are responding with trade diversification, infrastructure investment, and a renewed focus on internal collaboration.

How U.S. IEEPA and Section 232 tariffs are impacting Canadian sectors

Tariff wars are evolving, and Canada is adapting by pursuing trade diversification and new bilateral agreements.

Canada’s TRQ system and retaliatory tariffs are forcing companies to reassess sourcing and supply strategies.

China’s countermeasures on canola and seafood illustrate the fragility of global market dependencies.

Despite challenges, there’s momentum behind domestic collaboration, with provinces working together to fast-track major infrastructure projects.

The upcoming IE Canada Summit in Ottawa is the place to hear directly from Canada’s trade leaders and policy voices.

2025 IE Canada Summit – Event Details & Speakers (PDF)

Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters (IE Canada)

McMillan LLP – International Trade & Investment Law

House of Commons CIIT Committee – Trade Hearings

Global Affairs Canada – Trade Diversification Strategy

Global Training Center

Host:

Warrington Ellacott – President, IE Canada

Guest:

William Pellerin – Partner, McMillan LLP

Produced by:

Lalo Solorzano, Global Training Center

Presented by Global Training Center — your source for trade education, compliance training, and professional resources.

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Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie Parks

In this Career mini-series episode, Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) unpack one of the most underrated skills in a trade professional’s toolkit — self-branding. Whether you’re defining your personal image or shaping how your department is viewed, your brand determines how others trust, engage, and value your work.

Who Are You (or Your Department)? – Identify your values, authenticity, and risk profile. How do you show up in your organization and community?

What Do You Do? – Define your scope: import, export, compliance, or operations — and what sets you apart.

Who Do You Work For? – Understand how company size, industry, and complexity influence your brand and the story you tell.

How Do You Operate? – Highlight what makes you passionate and effective. Use AI tools to refine your personal branding statement and showcase your strengths.

Renee and Julie share practical examples, including using AI to craft branding statements that truly capture who you are. Julie’s own example:

“Turning global trade complexity into a strategic advantage — from borders to bottom line.”

👉 This week’s action item: Answer the four branding questions for yourself (or your department). Revisit how you and your team are perceived, and refresh your personal or professional brand statement to match where you are today.

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

Did you go through the four branding questions?

How would you describe your personal or departmental brand?

What’s one thing you’ll change to strengthen that brand?

Hosts:

Producer:

🎙️ New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.

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

Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn

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Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?

Hosts: Annik Sobing & Andy Shiles

In this episode Annik Sobing and Andy Shiles are joined by a panel of conference organizers and long-time trade educators — Alyson Hachey, Elisabeth Sherrell, Bonnie Kersch, Lila Landis and George Reid — to preview two upcoming events: the MIC Customs / ICPA Mexico Conference in Mexico City and the ICPA Fall Trade Days in Grapevine, Texas. The conversation covers who should attend, the unique focus of each event, practical tips for getting the most out of the conferences (including networking and bringing cross-functional colleagues), and fun details like the opening reception, themed activities, and opportunities for virtual networking before and after the in-person gatherings.

The purpose and format of the MIC Customs / ICPA Mexico Conference (Mexico City, Nov 5–6).

The schedule and special programming for ICPA Fall Trade Days (Grapevine, TX): opening reception Oct 26, main conference Oct 27–28, plus ITAR-related sessions following the conference (Oct 29, 30 and 1 as discussed).

How the two events differ in content and audience (Mexico conference = Mexico-focused trade & cross-border issues; Grapevine = broader trade + ITAR programming).

Practical networking tips (how to approach meals/sessions, what to bring, and how to translate conference takeaways into a short briefing for leadership).

Why practitioners should bring colleagues from finance, purchasing, sourcing and logistics to get cross-functional value from the sessions.

The Mexico conference and the Grapevine Fall Trade Days serve different but complementary needs — both are valuable depending on your role and geographic focus.

Networking is one of the highest-return activities at these events; intentionally meet new people and use pre/post virtual networking opportunities.

Bring one or two colleagues from other functions (finance, purchasing, logistics) so you can turn conference insights into actionable company plans.

Prepare a short, snappy 2–3 slide summary to brief leadership when you return — the panel recommends focusing on risks, decisions needed, and quick wins.

The events mix serious compliance content with community-building (receptions, line dancing, games) — plan to learn and connect.

ICPA Trade Days 2025

MIC Customs / ICPA Mexico Conference

Global Training Center

Hosts:

Annik Sobing

Andy Shiles

Guests:

Alyson Hachey

Elisabeth Sherrell

Bonnie Kersch

Lila Landis

George Reid

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

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 Have Topic Suggestions?

Host: Cindy Allen

In this week’s episode, Cindy Allen draws inspiration from Taylor Swift’s brand-new album The Life of a Show Girl—and reimagines it as The Life of a Trade Girl. With new Section 232 tariffs on lumber, cabinets, and vanities, plus looming duties on pharmaceuticals and medical devices, Cindy unpacks why navigating layered tariffs and multiple country-of-origin rules has trade professionals feeling the weight of confusion.

From the ongoing government shutdown to CBP’s enforcement posture and the uncertainty surrounding free trade agreements, this episode highlights both the resilience and the frustration of today’s trade community.

How the current government shutdown is affecting CBP operations and other government agencies

New Section 232 duties effective October 14 on lumber, kitchen cabinets, and vanities

The administration’s delayed rollout of 232 duties on pharmaceuticals and medical devices

The role of exemptions for companies breaking ground on U.S. manufacturing facilities

Why brand-name vs. generic pharmaceuticals will matter for tariff application

How Ireland and Switzerland could be most affected by pharmaceutical tariffs

The growing complexity of country-of-origin determinations across:

Why brokers and importers are struggling with multiple overlapping tariff annexes

CBP trade processing is continuing with minimal disruption despite the shutdown, though delays may occur with other government agency inspections.

Importers face new uncertainty as layered tariffs create multiple, conflicting country-of-origin determinations.

Pharmaceutical tariffs remain unclear, but exemptions may apply for U.S.-based or expanding manufacturers.

Ireland and Switzerland are key pharmaceutical exporters likely to be heavily impacted.

Customs brokers must navigate increasingly complex 232 annexes, requiring spreadsheets and case-by-case analysis.

Federal Register – Section 232 Notices

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

U.S. Department of the Treasury

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Hosts:

Cindy Allen – LinkedIn

Trade Force Multiplier

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

YouTube

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Trade Geeks Community

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