Simply Trade

Host: Cindy Allen

In this week’s episode, Cindy Allen takes inspiration from Taylor Swift’s I Can Do It With a Broken Heart to unpack trade updates, court battles, and the lasting impact of 9/11 on U.S. trade and security policy.

From the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the IEEPA reciprocal tariff case to ongoing discussions about reorganizing DHS and CBP, Cindy brings clarity to complex trade issues—all while reflecting on the transformation of trade and security programs born in the aftermath of 9/11.

Supreme Court to hear the IEEPA reciprocal tariffs challenge in November

What a potential importer refund process could look like

Section 122 as a possible bridge tool for duty assessments

Why Section 232, 301, and fentanyl duties remain unaffected by the IEEPA case

How 9/11 reshaped trade: CTPAT, Importer Security Filing, TSA, and DHS itself

Current discussions on reorganizing DHS and Customs & Border Protection

The possible merging of the Office of Trade and Office of Field Operations

Importers must prepare for ongoing duty assessments, even if refund pathways open.

The IEEPA case could significantly impact Treasury revenues and the federal deficit.

9/11 transformed international trade security programs, many still in place today.

DHS reorganization could change how CBP balances trade enforcement and duty collection.

Leadership alignment at CBP offers cautious optimism for the future of trade policy.

Supreme Court of the United States – Docket Information

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

CTPAT – Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Hosts:

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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Global Training Center on LinkedIn

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Host: Lalo Solorzano

In this special episode, Lalo sits down with Elena Ryan of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to unpack the details of the new continuing education requirement for Licensed Customs Brokers.

Elena walks through how the program came to life, what the triennial cycle means, and why CBP designed the credit system to balance rigor with accessibility. From free training opportunities to the role of accreditors, this conversation offers brokers and training providers a clear look into what compliance will mean through 2027.

You’ll also hear how CBP is working with industry to ensure flexibility, transparency, and professionalization of the broker community.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Key Takeaways:

Brokers must complete 20 credits for the current 2025–2027 cycle (instead of 36).

CBP emphasized accessibility: credits can come from private providers, associations, and free CBP/OGA webinars.

Accreditors ensure fair credit assignment, but brokers themselves must track their education for audits.

National permits and automation have transformed broker operations, making education more important than ever.

Continuing education puts brokers on par with other licensed professions, raising the bar for the industry.

📌 Resources & Mentions:

CBP – Broker Continuing Education

Federal Register – Broker Education Final Rule (June 2023)

NCBFAA – National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America

ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association

Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.

Global Training Center – Accredited trade education provider

🎧 Credits

Host:

Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

Guest:

Elena Ryan – Special Advisor, CBP

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

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New episodes every week.

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

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Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn

Global Training Center on LinkedIn

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Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie Parks

In the final installment of the Tariff Chaos mini-series, (dont worry, we have several other series coming up) Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) tackle the one thing that makes or breaks a trade compliance strategy: communication.

With tariffs shifting weekly, how you frame updates and who you deliver them to is just as important as the analysis itself. This episode dives into practical ways to avoid “tariff fatigue” while keeping your executives and teams engaged.

Identify Your Audience – Determine who needs tariff updates: executives, task forces, committees, or broader staff groups.

Set the Right Cadence – In today’s environment, weekly updates may be necessary to keep leadership informed and reduce uncertainty.

Engage Other Departments – Finance, supply chain, and other functions should be part of the conversation. Call out their contributions to strengthen alignment.

👉 This week’s action item: Map out your comms path. Decide who gets tariff updates, how often, and in what format (newsletter, task force meeting, executive brief, etc.). Move from ad hoc emails to a consistent, repeatable approach.

Join the Trade Geeks Community at LinkedIn

Producer:

New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.

Presented by: Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn

Global Training Center on LinkedIn

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Trade Geeks Community

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🎧 Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?

Host: Annik Sobing

🌍 Life After De Minimis: What E-Commerce Importers Need to Know

In this week’s Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing welcomes back Marianne Rowden, CEO of the E-Merchants Trade Council, for an in-depth discussion on the fast-moving crisis following the end of de minimis entry benefits on August 29.

Marianne breaks down what the loss of de minimis really means for importers, e-commerce sellers, and global supply chains — from skyrocketing compliance costs to postal suspensions and the new wave of IEEPA tariffs. She explains why this shift is far more than a duty issue, and how small businesses are now being forced into a maze of tariffs, complex customs filings, and compliance risks that could reshape the entire e-commerce landscape.

🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

📦 The De Minimis Exit – Why this long-standing provision was critical for e-commerce and why its end is creating shockwaves.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

De minimis was about simplified compliance as much as it was about duty savings.

The removal forces importers into a high-tariff, high-complexity environment.

Quick fixes like transfer pricing or misused Incoterms can backfire — small importers must tread carefully.

Postal systems weren’t ready — the six-month “tiered duty” workaround is only temporary.

DOJ’s involvement means trade fraud enforcement will be broader and harsher than ever.

📌 Resources & Mentions:

White House Fact Sheet: Executive Order Eliminating De Minimis for China and Hong Kong

FlavorCloud: The End of the U.S. $800 De Minimis Rule — What It Means for Consumers

AInvest: De Minimis Exemption Reshaping Commerce, Retail Margins, and Supply Chain Risks

CBP FAQ on IEEPA Reciprocal Tariffs

CRS: Court Challenges to IEEPA Tariffs

Producer: Lalo Solorzano - LinkedIn

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:

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

Reach us at [email protected]

Host: Cindy Allen

In this week’s Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen — the Taylor Swift of Trade — takes on Bad Blood to explain the rising tensions across global trade. From the elimination of de minimis to international postal suspensions, legal fights over tariff authority, and new duty structures in Japan, Cindy breaks down why there’s “bad blood” between governments, carriers, and traders alike.

She also covers the latest on the IEEPA court case, potential Supreme Court review, and how importers should prepare for refunds and liquidation monitoring.

The federal appeals court ruling on IEEPA tariffs and what’s next at the Supreme Court

How importers can monitor liquidation reports and protect potential refunds

Japan’s new trade deal structure mirroring the EU’s 15% cap system

The impact of de minimis elimination on postal shipments — with some countries halting package delivery to the U.S.

Why carriers are refusing to act as duty collectors, leaving space for new third-party solutions

The Universal Postal Union’s surprising reversal in supporting U.S. customs authority

The role of the STOP Act in allowing USPS to appoint brokers as nominal consignees

Importers should closely monitor liquidation reports to safeguard refund eligibility.

New duty collection models are emerging as carriers step back from responsibility.

The elimination of de minimis has caused international postal disruptions and strained relationships.

UPU’s shift marks a major acknowledgment of U.S. customs authority over inbound shipments.

Interim solutions may stabilize the situation, but bad blood remains across global trade partners.

Federal Register – Section 232 & Reciprocal Tariffs Notices

Supreme Court of the United States – Docket Information

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Universal Postal Union (UPU)

STOP Act Overview – U.S. Postal Service Inspector General

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!

🎙️ Simply Trade: Roundup – Careers Edition with Amy Morgan

🌍 From Trade Nerd to Trailblazer: Amy Morgan’s Career Journey

In this special Careers Edition of the Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing sits down with Amy Morgan, Vice President of Trade Compliance at Altana Technologies, to explore her remarkable path through the world of global trade, compliance, and technology.

From starting out in Seattle’s port-driven economy to shaping compliance strategies at Nordstrom, Costco, Amazon, and now leading trade innovation at Altana, Amy’s career story is one of curiosity, resilience, and trailblazing leadership. Known as the founder of the Trade Nerds community and an advocate for women in trade and tech, Amy shares how she turned challenges into opportunities — and why she believes AI is redefining the future of compliance.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Key Takeaways:

Trade compliance is no longer just about fixing problems — it’s about shaping business strategy.

Communities like Trade Nerds empower professionals to connect and thrive in uncertain times.

Gender barriers exist, but grit, mentorship, and excellence help break through.

AI and data transparency are driving the future of resilient, sustainable supply chains.

Passion and success don’t have to be separate — you can have both.

📌 Resources & Mentions:

Learn more about Amy Morgan and her work at LinkedIn

Producer: Lalo Solorzano - LinkedIn

Guest: Amy Morgan - LinkedIn

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:

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

Reach us at [email protected]

Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie Parks

In this installment of the Tariff Chaos mini-series, Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) go global. Trade compliance isn’t just a U.S. challenge — and as tariffs expand across borders, organizations need to prepare for the complexities of tariff globalization.

Know Who’s Who in Your Organization – Identify key roles across finance, supply chain, purchasing, and customs in every country where you import, export, or produce.

Stay Ahead of Global Regulations – Track resources like the Canadian Gazette, and lean on your international network for early insights.

Use Your Brokers Wisely – Customs brokers abroad can be an invaluable source of regulatory intelligence. Build relationships with them to strengthen your global trade strategy.

👉 This week’s action item: Reach out to at least one global point of contact (internal or external). Confirm their responsibilities, get their data organized, and make sure they know you’ll need their support as tariff globalization unfolds.

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

Did you “make a friend” internally?

Who are your go-to contacts in other countries?

How are you organizing your network for global tariff readiness?

Producer: Lalo Solorzano

New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.

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

Connect with us on LinkedIn, LinkedIn (GTC), YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts,join the Trade Geeks community, or email us at [email protected].

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

Reach us at [email protected]

Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles 

Guests: William A. Reinsch & Scott Miller (Hosts of The Trade Guys podcast), moderated by Evan Brown 

Published: September 2, 2025 

Length: ~45 minutes 

Presented by: Global Training Center

🎙️ Simply Trade x The Trade Guys – Two Podcasts, One Trade Conversation

This episode marks a special collaboration between Simply Trade and The Trade Guys podcast from CSIS. Joining Lalo and Andy are William A. Reinsch and Scott Miller, with Evan Brown moderating.

The roundtable dives into tariffs, trade policy, and a timely de minimis discussion—what changes taking effect at midnight on August 29 mean for importers and why some see an enormous paperwork burden ahead. You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes origins: The Trade Guys tipping their hat to NPR’s Car Talk.

What the latest de minimis change means in practice—and why timing matters

How tariff and policy shifts ripple into day-to-day compliance decisions

Why making trade conversations approachable (Car Talk vibes) actually helps professionals

The value of collaboration between podcasts and practitioners to broaden perspective

De minimis changes coming into force immediately can add real paperwork burden for importers

Tariffs and policy steer compliance strategy—be proactive, not reactive

Story-driven explanations (a la Car Talk) make complex trade issues stick

The Pancho & Lefty quip underscores Simply Trade’s approachable style

Cross-podcast collaboration strengthens the trade community’s understanding

📌 Resources & Mentions:

🎧 Credits

Hosts:

Guests:

Producer:

📢 Subscribe & Follow

New episodes every week.

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

Connect with us:

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

Reach us at [email protected]

Host: Cindy Allen

This week, Cindy Allen — the Taylor Swift of Trade — takes inspiration from We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together to mark the official end of de minimis. For over a decade, Cindy lived and breathed this program while at DHL and FedEx, but as of August 29, 2025, de minimis is gone — and the trade world is already feeling the ripple effects.

From India’s new 50% tariffs to recession warnings from top economists, Cindy explains why small businesses, warehouses, and e-commerce platforms may be heading into a whole new era of compliance, cost control, and consumer pricing.

India’s reciprocal tariffs jump to 50% tied to Russian oil sourcing

Why leading economists are warning that tariffs could trigger a U.S. recession

The rise and fall of de minimis — from a 1930s travel perk to $800 duty-free imports

How small businesses leveraged de minimis to grow — and why its end may reshape competition

The shift toward Foreign Trade Zones, bonded warehouses, and U.S. fulfillment strategies

What “for sale” structuring and B2B2C transactions mean for compliance

Why CBP wants consumer-level data and how the loss of Type 86 impacts targeting

The uncertain path forward: industry groups pressing CBP for new guidance

De minimis allowed 1.4 billion shipments annually — its removal is reshaping e-commerce and compliance.

Some companies are raising prices, others are exiting the U.S. market entirely.

Warehousing demand in the U.S. is surging as companies front-load and consolidate shipments.

CBP faces new challenges as critical consumer-level data disappears.

Industry is waiting for CBP guidance to bring predictability to the new landscape.

Hosts:

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.

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!

Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles

🌍 The Broker Relationship That Makes or Breaks Trade

The right customs broker isn’t just a vendor — they’re a strategic partner. In this episode, Lalo and Andy sit down with Diane Perez to unpack why importer–broker relationships are the backbone of compliance and trade success.

With experience at Amazon, Pratt & Whitney, Henkel, Diageo, and Oura, Diane brings both the importer and broker perspective. She explains why brokers should be seen as trusted advisors, how proactive audits and reviews keep compliance on track, and why communication and data quality are critical in today’s tariff-heavy, post–de minimis world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why importer–broker relationships are more like strategic partnerships than vendor contracts

Key Takeaways:

A customs broker relationship is more like a tax accountant than a transactional vendor.

Quarterly broker reviews, audits, and performance metrics build accountability.

Data quality starts with importers — compliance is ultimately your responsibility.

Switching brokers too often weakens compliance and trust.

Giving brokers “a seat at the table” makes them true partners in strategy, not just paperwork.

Resources & Mentions:

NCBFAA (National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America)

ICPA (International Compliance Professionals Association)

ACE Portal – U.S. Customs Automated Commercial Environment

Credits

Hosts:

Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

Andy Shiles – LinkedIn

Guest:

Diane Perez – LinkedIn

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

Subscribe & Follow

New episodes every week.

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!