Simply Trade

Host: Victoria Schneider and Lalo Solorzano

What does the future of professional development look like for trade compliance professionals?

In this episode, Victoria Schneider and Lalo Solorzano introduce a new monthly Simply Trade check-in with the International Compliance Professionals Association and explore the reimagined ICPA Global Trade Pathways Conference.

Victoria, Elisabeth Sherrell, and ICPA co-founder Lynda Thomas explain why the event is no longer simply a smaller version of ICPA’s annual conference. Instead, it is being designed as a distinct experience for professionals at every stage of their careers—from students and newcomers to experienced compliance leaders.

The conversation covers the conference’s new professional development track, which complements technical trade education with practical skills such as leadership, communication, networking, organization, presentation development, and self-assessment.

The group also discusses professional certifications, certification preparation through Global Training Center, ICPA’s work with University of North Texas students, the importance of building a stronger talent pipeline, and ICPA’s expanding educational presence in Mexico and the Asia-Pacific region.

Above all, this episode highlights the supportive community behind ICPA—a place where trade professionals can find education, career opportunities, meaningful connections, and people who understand the challenges of the profession.

The ICPA Global Trade Pathways Conference is being redesigned as a standalone educational and professional-development experience rather than a smaller version of ICPA’s annual conference.

Its programming brings together technical trade education, career development, certification opportunities, networking, and community building. Attendees can follow pathways suited to their experience level while developing the interpersonal and leadership skills needed to advance their careers.

Technical expertise may help someone become an effective compliance professional, but advancing into leadership often requires additional abilities.

The professional development track will address topics such as:

• Understanding personal communication and working styles

ICPA has selected five specialized international trade certifications that address meaningful areas of the profession, including export controls, imports, freight forwarding, logistics, and ITAR.

The conference will provide live proctoring for certification exams, but attendees should prepare before arriving. The conference sessions alone are not intended to serve as complete exam preparation.

Global Training Center has developed study roadmaps and preparation options, including an ITAR cohort led by Lila Landis, to help professionals prepare for these rigorous exams.

ICPA is also working with students from the University of North Texas supply chain and logistics program.

Students will have opportunities to attend sessions, meet service providers, explore employment possibilities, and learn how trade compliance can become a visible and rewarding career path.

Education remains central to ICPA events, but the organization also emphasizes the personal connections created at its conferences.

Attendees can meet peers facing similar challenges, exchange advice, build professional networks, discover job opportunities, and feel recognized within a profession that is often misunderstood or undervalued.

• The Global Trade Pathways Conference is a distinct event—not a smaller version of the ICPA Annual Conference.

• Professional advancement requires communication, leadership, presentation, networking, and organizational skills in addition to technical expertise.

• ICPA’s certification program gives trade professionals additional ways to demonstrate specialized knowledge and commitment to the industry.

• Certification exams are intentionally rigorous and require advance preparation beyond attending conference sessions.

• Partnerships with universities can introduce students to trade compliance and help strengthen the industry’s future talent pipeline.

• The most valuable part of an ICPA conference may be the community of professionals who share experiences, advice, opportunities, and support.

• ICPA plans to continue expanding its international education through conferences in Mexico and a future return to the Asia-Pacific region.

• Global Training Center

• 2026 ICPA Global Trade Pathways Conference

• International Compliance Professionals Association

• University of North Texas

• Global Training Center ITAR certification preparation with Lila Landis

• International Trade Certification Program

• ITAR and EAR education

• Import, export, freight-forwarding, and logistics certifications

Host:

Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):

Lynda Thomas - LinkedIn

Producer:

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• Global Training Center

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Host: Cindy Allen

One year ago, Cindy's Version debuted with a simple mission: make international trade news easier to understand—one Taylor Swift song at a time. In this anniversary episode, Cindy celebrates the milestone while tackling another week packed with major developments impacting importers, customs brokers, and global supply chains.

Using Taylor Swift's "...Ready For It?" as the theme, Cindy explores the latest discussions surrounding de minimis changes, duty enforcement, USMCA negotiations, new pharmaceutical Section 232 tariffs, and CBP's continued focus on trade enforcement. More importantly, she explains why companies should stop reacting to trade actions and instead prepare for them through proactive planning.

The episode's biggest takeaway isn't tied to any single tariff announcement. It's about building an organizational playbook that brings together compliance, finance, legal, procurement, sales, and executive leadership before the next trade action arrives. With regulatory changes becoming more frequent and enforcement continuing to increase, preparation has become one of the most valuable competitive advantages a company can have.

Whether you're an importer, customs broker, compliance professional, or executive responsible for global supply chains, this anniversary episode offers practical guidance for staying ready in today's constantly evolving trade environment.

• CBP receives extensive feedback on proposed de minimis changes and postal parity concerns.

• CBP announces more than $1 billion recovered through Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) duty evasion investigations.

• USMCA negotiations continue amid reported disagreements surrounding Sections 232 and 301 tariffs.

• New Section 232 requirements for patented pharmaceuticals introduce additional reporting responsibilities for importers and customs brokers.

International trade has entered an era where regulatory changes occur regularly rather than occasionally. Cindy explains why companies should move beyond reacting to each announcement and instead establish a repeatable response process.

Rather than focusing solely on individual tariff actions, organizations should develop a cross-functional trade playbook that identifies affected products, evaluates financial exposure, assesses contractual obligations, communicates with suppliers and customers, and enables leadership to make informed decisions quickly.

Preparation—not prediction—is becoming the defining characteristic of successful trade compliance programs.

• Trade enforcement continues to accelerate, making strong compliance programs more valuable than ever.

• High-quality supply chain data is essential for responding quickly to new trade actions.

• Cross-functional planning involving finance, legal, procurement, sales, and compliance should be documented before regulatory changes occur.

• Companies that develop repeatable trade response playbooks will be better positioned to navigate future tariffs and enforcement actions.

• Global Training Center — https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

• Trade Force Multiplier - https://www.linkedin.com/company/trade-force-multiplier-llc/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

• USMCA

• Section 232 Tariffs

• Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA)

Host

Cindy Allen

Guest(s)

N/A

Producer

Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles

What happens when a court rules that tariffs were improperly imposed—and how can importers recover the money they've already paid?

In this episode of Simply Trade, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome international trade attorney Valerie Sorensen-Clark of GDLSK. Drawing from her unique experience as former U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) counsel, Valerie explains the current status of IEEPA tariff litigation and what businesses should expect as CBP processes refunds.

The discussion breaks down the difference between liquidated and unliquidated entries, why those distinctions matter, and how the new CAPE refund process is being implemented. Valerie also shares behind-the-scenes insight into the legal and operational challenges CBP faces while building systems to process unprecedented tariff refunds.

Whether you're an importer, customs broker, trade professional, or legal advisor, this conversation offers practical guidance on determining your eligibility, understanding the refund process, and knowing when it's time to consult customs counsel. If your company paid IEEPA tariffs, this episode provides valuable context on what comes next and how to prepare.

The conversation focuses on the evolving legal landscape surrounding IEEPA tariffs following recent court decisions and what those rulings mean for importers seeking refunds.

Valerie explains:

Why the courts determined the IEEPA tariffs exceeded statutory authority.

The operational rollout of CBP's CAPE refund process.

The critical distinction between liquidated and unliquidated entries.

Why some refunds can be processed immediately while others require additional court action.

Practical steps importers should take now to determine their options.

• Court decisions have opened the door for many importers to recover improperly collected IEEPA tariffs.

• Understanding whether an entry is liquidated or unliquidated is critical because it determines how refunds may be processed.

• CBP has made significant progress implementing the CAPE refund process but continues expanding functionality for more complex entry types.

• Importers with significant tariff exposure should consult an experienced customs attorney to evaluate potential recovery opportunities.

• Global Training Center – https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

• GDLSK LLP - https://www.gdlsk.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

• U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT)

Host:

Lalo Solorzano — https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/

Andy Shiles — https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/

Guest(s):

Valerie Sorensen-Clark — https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerieannsorensen/

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano — https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

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Host: Lalo Solorzano

In this final installment of the Simply Trade tips run with Ashley Arnold, Lalo Solorzano and Ashley turn to a foundational question with growing consequences: who truly owns import compliance? As enforcement intensifies and importer-of-record expectations receive more attention, the conversation examines why relying entirely on a customs broker is no longer a workable compliance strategy.

Ashley explains that brokers remain essential partners, but importers must understand and retain responsibility for tariff classification, customs valuation, country of origin, recordkeeping, and supply-chain visibility. The discussion also explores why foreign importers of record may face tougher vetting, how increased entry volume can expose weak processes, and why service providers need clearer accountability and a reliable paper trail.

The episode moves beyond theory with practical advice: establish ownership for classification decisions, use ACE reports to review entry activity, investigate data that looks unusual, and create a recurring audit cadence instead of waiting for Customs to ask questions. The message is direct: compliance cannot be treated as a one-time setup or delegated without oversight. Importers that stay engaged, document their decisions, and work proactively with their brokers will be better positioned to identify errors early and respond confidently when scrutiny increases.

Lalo and Ashley discuss the responsibilities attached to serving as an importer of record in a heightened enforcement environment. They explain why importers must actively oversee classification, valuation, country of origin, entry data, and recordkeeping—even when a customs broker manages the filing process.

The conversation also examines increased scrutiny of foreign importers of record, the growing pressure placed on brokers and surety providers, and the importance of using ACE data to identify inconsistencies before they become larger compliance problems.

• Importers remain responsible for the accuracy and defensibility of their customs declarations, even when a broker files entries on their behalf.

• Every importer should establish clear internal ownership for tariff classification, valuation, country-of-origin determinations, and supporting records.

• ACE reports can help compliance teams identify unusual tariff numbers, unauthorized activity, entry discrepancies, and other potential risks.

• Proactive, recurring audits are more effective than waiting for a Customs inquiry, payment issue, or post-entry correction deadline.

• Global Training Center

• CBP Automated Commercial Environment

• Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism

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Guest(s):

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Host: Cindy Allen

In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen returns after a two-week break to unpack one of the most operationally challenging tariff transitions of 2026. Using Taylor Swift’s “Sad, Beautiful, Tragic” as the lens, she explores a trade environment defined by abrupt deadlines, overlapping authorities, and relationships that may be moving beyond their free-trade era.

Cindy explains the transition from the temporary Section 122 duty to new Section 301 tariffs tied to how 60 economies address forced-labor imports. She examines the 10% and 12.5% tariff structures, the treatment of most-favored-nation duties for certain countries, general and country-specific exclusions, Section 232 carve-outs, and the importance of proper tariff stacking. The official action became applicable to most covered entries beginning July 24, 2026.

The episode also looks ahead to Section 338 tariffs on selected Canadian products, continuing IEEPA refund activity, potential court challenges, and the uncertain future of USMCA. For importers, customs brokers, programmers, and trade teams, Cindy’s message is practical: review every tariff number, examine every applicable annex, document the analysis, and give implementation partners some grace.

• The temporary Section 122 tariff ended as the new Section 301 forced-labor tariff regime took effect.

• Section 301 treatment now varies by country, with 10% or 12.5% rates and special MFN calculations for certain trading partners.

• General, country-specific, use-specific, and Section 232 exemptions make product-level classification and origin reviews essential.

• Section 338 tariffs of 50% on selected Canadian products are scheduled to take effect on August 19, 2026.

Cindy breaks down the new Section 301 duties imposed in connection with foreign forced-labor import prohibitions. The headline rate is only the beginning: importers must determine the correct country treatment, whether the rate is additive or calculated net of MFN duties, and whether the product qualifies for a general or country-specific exemption.

The extensive annexes require careful HTS classification and product review. Exemptions include certain raw materials, products that could cause economy-wide disruption, goods unavailable in sufficient quantities from domestic or alternative sources, and products already covered by Section 232.

Cindy also emphasizes the importance of following CBP’s reporting sequence so each trade remedy appears on the correct tariff-stacking level. Errors in sequencing or combining duties can create problems during refund, reconciliation, protest, or liquidation activity.

New Section 338 tariffs add another layer to the changing U.S.–Canada relationship. Cindy considers whether the measures will remain negotiating leverage or take effect as scheduled—and what they could signal for the future of USMCA.

Taylor Swift’s song becomes a metaphor for trade relationships, predictable implementation, and a free-trade environment that may be slipping away. Cindy closes by acknowledging that international trade has entered a fundamentally different era—one requiring closer review, faster adaptation, and stronger coordination across compliance teams.

• Do not assume every country receives the same Section 301 treatment. Confirm the country of origin, HTS classification, applicable rate, MFN interaction, and corresponding annex.

• Review both the general exclusions and every applicable country- or use-specific exclusion before determining duty liability.

• Validate tariff stacking and entry-line reporting with your customs broker and software provider to reduce refund, reconciliation, and liquidation problems.

• Assess exposure to the upcoming Section 338 tariffs on Canadian products now, rather than waiting until the scheduled August 19 effective date.

• Global Training Center

• USTR Final Section 301 Action on Forced-Labor Import Prohibitions

• CBP Trade Remedies

• CBP IEEPA Duty Refund Information

• White House Fact Sheet: Additional Tariffs on Canada

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Producer:

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Host: Cindy Allen and Pete Mento

Trade enforcement is entering a new phase—and importers, customs brokers, executives, and board members may all be in the line of sight. Cindy Allen and Pete Mento unpack the Department of Justice Trade Fraud Task Force’s announcement that it surpassed $1 billion in civil and criminal recoveries, penalties, forfeitures, and publicly charged losses in less than one year. They explore what that milestone signals for companies that still treat customs compliance as a back-office responsibility.

The conversation moves from CBP Forms 28 and 29 to the government’s expanding ability to combine entry, manifest, and supply-chain data with AI-driven analysis. Cindy and Pete debate whether targeting intelligence should be shared with customs brokers and importers, how companies should approach data collaboration, and why “we’ve always done it this way” is becoming an increasingly dangerous compliance strategy.

They also examine the USMCA annual review cycle, possible changes involving regional value content and Chinese-origin inputs, forced-labor enforcement, manufacturing policy, and the consumer behavior shaping global sourcing. Along the way, a Piggly Wiggly shame board, Bob Newhart’s apartment, and the toilet-paper aisle become memorable lessons about accountability, consumption, and the true cost of inexpensive goods.

• The DOJ Trade Fraud Task Force surpasses $1 billion in recoveries and charged losses

This episode explores the transition from trade facilitation and informed compliance to a far more aggressive enforcement environment.

Enforcement and accountability

Cindy and Pete discuss the potential exposure facing importers, customs brokers, executives, CEOs, and board members. Compliance decisions that were once treated as operational details may now create civil, criminal, financial, and reputational consequences.

Data, AI, and early warning

The hosts examine how CBP can use entry, manifest, supplier, and historical data to identify anomalies. They debate whether the government should share more targeting intelligence so customs brokers and importers can identify problems before an entry is filed.

USMCA, sourcing, and consumers

The discussion expands to the USMCA annual review process, possible Chinese-content restrictions, regional value content calculations, forced-labor enforcement, domestic manufacturing, and whether American consumers are prepared to accept higher prices or fewer choices in exchange for more ethical and regionalized supply chains.

• Trade compliance is no longer solely the responsibility of the customs or logistics department; executives and board members need visibility into material customs risks and compliance decisions.

• CBP Forms 28 and 29 should be treated as warning signals that may justify a broader review of products, suppliers, valuation, classification, origin, and previous entries.

• Importers and brokers should use data proactively to identify anomalies, understand enforcement patterns, map deeper-tier suppliers, and address risk before filing.

• The USMCA review process, forced-labor enforcement, and possible changes to regional content requirements could reshape sourcing and manufacturing decisions throughout North America.

• Global Training Center

Host:

Producer:

Host: Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles

A rarely used provision of the Tariff Act of 1930 is suddenly at the center of North American trade. In this timely episode, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome customs and international trade attorney Mollie Sitkowski to unpack the administration’s three Section 338 proclamations targeting specified Canadian goods. The measures announce additional 50% duties beginning August 19, 2026, across tariff lines connected to disputes involving alcoholic beverages, dairy, and motor vehicles.

Mollie explains why the product coverage is broader, and more complicated, than the three headline sectors suggest, how the new duties interact with Section 232 tariffs, and why USMCA qualification does not exempt covered imports. The conversation also explores whether Congress or the courts could intervene, the possibility that the tariffs are intended to bring Canada back to the negotiating table, and the implications for deeply integrated automotive supply chains.

Most importantly, the episode gives importers a practical response plan: review HTS classifications, recheck Canadian origin under 19 CFR Part 102, monitor CBP implementation guidance, model a 50% worst-case scenario, and coordinate immediately across compliance, sourcing, finance, legal, and government affairs. Whether the duties take effect as announced or change through negotiation, this is the preparation window companies cannot afford to waste.

This episode examines the newly announced Section 338 tariffs on specified Canadian imports and what companies should do before the August 19 effective date. Mollie breaks down the legal authority, covered product categories, USMCA and Section 232 treatment, potential challenges, negotiation dynamics, and the immediate classification, origin, forecasting, and supply-chain work importers should begin.

• The additional 50% duty applies to specified HTS provisions, not automatically to every Canadian-origin product.

• USMCA qualification does not exempt covered goods, while articles already subject to Section 232 duties are excluded from the new Section 338 duties.

• Importers should validate tariff classifications and country-of-origin determinations, including the application of 19 CFR Part 102, and closely monitor CBP CSMS guidance.

• Compliance, finance, sourcing, legal, customs brokers, and government affairs teams should jointly model the 50% worst-case impact and identify affected shipments, suppliers, contracts, and customers now.

• Global Training Center

• White House Fact Sheet: Additional Tariffs on Canada

• Section 338 Proclamation: Alcoholic Beverages

• Section 338 Proclamation: Dairy

• Section 338 Proclamation: Motor Vehicles

• Mollie Sitkowski – Faegre Drinker

Host:

Andy Shiles

Guest(s):

Producer:

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Host: Lalo Solorzano and Ashley Arnold

Accurate product classification is the foundation of a strong import compliance program—and one incorrect classification can create problems far beyond the duty rate. In week three of this tips series, Lalo Solorzano and guest host Ashley Arnold explore the practical steps importers can take to build a more accurate, consistent, and defensible classification process.

Drawing on her experience classifying products ranging from apparel to machine components, Ashley explains why importers should never rely solely on a supplier’s suggested tariff number. Suppliers may understand their products, but the importer remains responsible for determining the correct U.S. classification based on complete product specifications, materials, construction, and intended use.

The conversation also covers the value of CBP rulings, written classification rationales, product catalog management, version tracking, and regular audits. Lalo and Ashley discuss why similar-looking products may require different classifications, how small design or material changes can affect an HTS number, and where technology can support—but not replace—professional judgment.

The central takeaway is simple: every classification decision should tell a clear story that can still be understood and defended months or years later.

Lalo and Ashley discuss how importers can create a reliable classification program by collecting complete product information, researching relevant rulings, documenting the reasoning behind each decision, and reviewing classifications whenever a product changes.

They also explain why classification affects more than ordinary customs duties. An incorrect HTS number can influence trade-remedy tariffs, free trade agreement analysis, entry audits, and an importer’s overall compliance exposure. Technology can help organize large product catalogs and maintain classification histories, but importers must still apply informed judgment and maintain supporting documentation.

• Importers are responsible for the accuracy of their U.S. classifications and should not automatically accept tariff numbers supplied by overseas manufacturers.

• Collect complete product details—including specifications, bills of materials, construction, composition, and intended use—before assigning an HTS number.

• Use relevant CBP rulings and other classification research to support decisions, while recognizing that similar products may not be identical enough to receive the same classification.

• Document the rationale, supporting sources, review history, and product changes so every classification can be clearly explained during a future audit.

• Global Training Center

• CBP Customs Rulings Online Search System — CROSS

• Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

Host:

Lalo Solorzano

Ashley Arnold

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Andy Shiles and Lalo Solorzano

Warehousing is far more than a place to store products. It is a critical link in the supply chain that can either accelerate customer delivery or create costly bottlenecks.

In this lively episode of Simply Trade, Andy Shiles and Lalo Solorzano welcome Margo and Javier Vera for a wide-ranging conversation about warehouse operations, technology, employee empowerment, contingency planning, and the value of strong industry relationships.

The group explores what businesses should prioritize as trade policies, tariffs, customer expectations, and supply chain uncertainty continue to evolve. From predictive analytics and equipment readiness to security, sanitation, and faster order cycle times, the discussion highlights the operational decisions that can directly affect customer satisfaction.

The guests also explain the mission behind the Cool Kids networking community and why making industry events more welcoming matters—especially for young professionals and people attending their first conference. They share upcoming opportunities to connect at major intermodal, maritime, breakbulk, and supply chain events.

Along the way, the conversation delivers practical lessons, memorable stories, and plenty of humor about building relationships, mentoring the next generation, and finding your place within the trade and logistics community.

This episode examines how warehouse operators can manage uncertainty while meeting growing customer expectations for faster delivery, better visibility, lower costs, and greater flexibility.

The conversation also explores how professional associations, conferences, mentoring, and inclusive networking communities can help supply chain professionals strengthen their knowledge and build valuable industry relationships.

Successful warehouse operations require more than additional space. Companies must invest in technology, employees, equipment, partnerships, security, and contingency planning.

The guests discuss the importance of predictive analytics, reliable material-handling equipment, backup operating procedures, efficient pick-and-pack processes, and empowering frontline employees to solve operational challenges.

Javier and Margo explain that the Cool Kids community was created to make networking more accessible—not more exclusive. Its mission is to welcome newcomers, connect professionals with shared values, and help emerging supply chain talent build confidence and meaningful relationships.

The episode highlights networking opportunities connected with IANA, Breakbulk, the Virginia Maritime Association, and TPM. The guests encourage attendees to step outside their comfort zones, introduce themselves, and use conferences to build relationships across the trade, logistics, maritime, and warehousing sectors.

• Invest in technology, people, equipment, and partnerships rather than relying on a single operational solution.

• Global Training Center

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Host: Lalo Solorzano

In this second July Tips episode, host Lalo Solorzano welcomes back Ashley Arnold for a timely conversation about CTPAT and why companies should not let their security programs sit untouched on a shelf.

Ashley explains that CTPAT is becoming increasingly relevant again, especially in today’s enforcement-focused trade environment. While many companies may already have a program in place, the real question is whether the procedures written in the manual are actually being followed on the warehouse floor, at the front desk, by security teams, and across the full supply chain.

The conversation highlights the importance of reviewing and strengthening CTPAT programs, documenting actions, training personnel, and making sure employees understand the “why” behind security requirements. Lalo and Ashley also discuss how CTPAT connects to broader business functions such as logistics, procurement, finance, HR, IT, and cybersecurity.

This episode is a practical reminder that CTPAT is not a one-time validation exercise. It is an ongoing partnership and a culture of security that requires attention, participation, and continuous improvement.

This episode focuses on CTPAT and the importance of keeping security programs active, current, and understood throughout the organization.

Ashley Arnold explains that companies should review whether their CTPAT manuals reflect what is actually happening in day-to-day operations. Lalo and Ashley discuss how training, audit trails, warehouse-level awareness, cybersecurity reviews, and cross-functional participation all support a stronger security profile.

They also emphasize that CTPAT can provide real operational benefits, including stronger relationships with Customs, possible reduced exam risk, smoother cargo movement, and greater internal awareness of supply chain security responsibilities.

• CTPAT programs should be reviewed, updated, and actively used, not simply stored away for annual review.

• Global Training Center - CTPAT Live Training

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