Simply Trade

Host: Lalo Solorzano

Trade compliance manuals and SOPs may not be the flashiest part of an import/export program, but they are among the most important. In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Lalo Solorzano sits down with Denise to discuss why written procedures are essential for keeping trade compliance consistent, repeatable, and scalable.

Denise explains that compliance does not live only in the compliance department. It touches purchasing, shipping, customs entries, finance, recordkeeping, screening, escalation, training, and more. When those processes are not documented, companies rely too heavily on memory, tribal knowledge, and “the way we’ve always done it.” That creates risk when employees leave, roles change, products expand, or regulations shift.

This episode breaks down the difference between a compliance manual and an SOP, what each should include, and where companies should start if they do not already have a formal program in place. The key message: SOPs are not just paperwork. They are the operating system that helps a trade compliance program run with control, clarity, and confidence.

This episode focuses on how companies can build stronger trade compliance programs by documenting their processes through compliance manuals and standard operating procedures.

Denise explains that a compliance manual is the big-picture document. It outlines the company’s overall approach to trade compliance, identifies responsibilities, explains key risks, and describes how import and export issues are handled. SOPs, on the other hand, are the step-by-step instructions for specific tasks such as product classification, restricted party screening, export reviews, import entry audits, recordkeeping, escalation, and corrective actions.

The conversation emphasizes that SOPs should be practical, clear, and specific enough for a new employee or backup team member to follow without guessing. The episode also highlights why the people doing the day-to-day work should be involved in creating these procedures, since real-world input makes the documentation usable rather than theoretical.

• Trade compliance touches many departments, not just the compliance team.

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Host: Cindy Allen

In this week’s episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen explores the growing complexity facing importers, customs brokers, and compliance professionals as trade policy continues to evolve at a rapid pace. From new developments involving the EU tariff agreement and ongoing Section 301 litigation to uncertainty surrounding the administration’s customs enforcement Executive Order and the future of USMCA, the trade community is being asked to navigate an increasingly complicated environment.

Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Labyrinth, Cindy focuses on a theme many trade professionals can relate to: finding a way through complexity when the path forward is anything but straightforward. What was once a relatively predictable customs process has become a maze of overlapping tariff programs, country-specific rules, component-level reporting requirements, trade remedies, and constantly evolving compliance obligations.

The episode serves as both a trade update and a reminder that while the complexity may feel overwhelming, the trade community continues to adapt, innovate, and move forward.

• The European Union approved implementation of the Turnberry Tariff Deal, helping prevent additional tariff escalation between the U.S. and EU.

• The Supreme Court declined to hear challenges involving Section 301 Lists 3 and 4 tariffs, leaving those tariffs in place.

• President Trump threatened potential 100% tariffs on French wine and champagne related to France’s digital services tax.

• Questions continue surrounding implementation of the Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement, with few details yet available from CBP or other agencies.

• USMCA negotiations remain ongoing, with expectations that negotiations will continue beyond the current deadline.

• The Commercial Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) is scheduled to meet July 15 as industry engagement continues.

The central focus of this episode is the increasing complexity of global trade compliance.

Cindy walks through how trade professionals are now managing multiple overlapping tariff programs simultaneously. What once required understanding product classification, valuation, country of origin, and free trade agreements has evolved into a system layered with Section 301 actions, Section 122 duties, Section 232 tariffs, country-specific exceptions, company-specific provisions, component-level reporting requirements, and detailed U.S.-content calculations.

This complexity extends beyond importers. Customs brokers must understand not only which tariffs apply, but also the correct order of application, reporting requirements, ACE programming impacts, and evolving CBP guidance. Meanwhile, importers are being asked to collect and maintain supply chain information at a level of detail that many organizations have never previously required.

Drawing on the theme of Labyrinth, Cindy compares today’s trade environment to navigating a maze where everyone—from CBP to brokers to importers—is trying to find the correct path through an increasingly complicated regulatory landscape.

• The EU tariff agreement provides some stability for transatlantic trade.

• Section 301 tariffs continue to withstand legal challenges.

• Significant uncertainty remains around implementation of the Customs Enforcement Executive Order.

• USMCA negotiations are unlikely to conclude by the current deadline.

• Trade compliance requirements are becoming increasingly detailed and data-driven.

• Importers, brokers, software providers, and CBP are all adapting to unprecedented levels of complexity.

• The ability to manage complexity may become one of the most important competitive advantages in international trade.

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• Trade Force Multiplier

• Commercial Operations Advisory Committee

• USMCA

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Host: Lalo Solorzano

In this episode of the Simply Trade Podcast, Lalo Solorzano sits down with Kristy Guo, founder of Signature Global Network and author of The Logistics Legends book series, to explore the human stories behind logistics, supply chain, and global trade. Kristy shares why she believes logistics professionals are often invisible heroes—and why their stories deserve to be told.

The conversation highlights The Logistics Legends, Volume 3, including stories of perseverance, mentorship, leadership, faith, and reinvention from professionals across the industry. Kristy also opens up about her own extraordinary journey, from being born as a second child during China’s one-child policy to becoming a global business leader, speaker, author, and mentor.

At the heart of the episode is Kristy’s message of interdependence: no one succeeds alone. Through stories of humble beginnings, setbacks, and breakthrough moments, this conversation reminds listeners that resilience is powerful—but connection, mentorship, and shared purpose are what help people keep going.

This episode focuses on the stories behind The Logistics Legends, Volume 3, a book that celebrates professionals in logistics, trade, supply chain, and related industries. Kristy Guo explains why she created the series, what she learned from interviewing and guiding the featured contributors, and why personal stories can inspire people far beyond the logistics world.

The discussion covers themes including resilience, mentorship, leadership during crisis, overcoming bias, and the importance of building a life and career through interdependence rather than isolation.

• Logistics professionals are often behind the scenes, but their work keeps the world moving.

• Many successful leaders started from humble beginnings and built their careers through resilience, persistence, and support from others.

• Mentorship can save time, prevent costly mistakes, and help people see possibilities they may not see on their own.

• Kristy’s central message is that people are interconnected, and true success comes through interdependence, trust, and shared purpose.

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Host: Cindy Allen

In this week’s episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen examines a series of significant developments that continue reshaping the trade landscape—from ongoing IEEPA litigation and Section 122 court challenges to growing uncertainty surrounding USMCA negotiations.

But the heart of the episode focuses on the administration’s Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement and the concerns emerging as the trade community begins to digest its potential consequences. Cindy breaks down three areas drawing particular attention: escalating bond requirements, restrictions on foreign importers of record, and new ownership disclosure requirements.

Using Taylor Swift’s The Black Dog as a backdrop, Cindy reflects on the idea that some longstanding trade practices may be coming to an end. While CBP views many of these changes as necessary tools to combat transshipment, shell companies, and duty evasion, the trade community is grappling with the possibility that enforcement-focused reforms may also affect legitimate importers and trusted traders.

As Cindy notes, some old habits may indeed be "dying screaming"—but the larger question is what replaces them.

• The Court of Appeals indicated that Section 122 tariffs are likely lawful while litigation continues

• CBP confirmed IEEPA refunds continue to be processed and announced reconciliation entries will be eligible for CAPE beginning June 29

• CBP reiterated that it believes court direction is needed before refunding finally liquidated entries

• House Agriculture Committee hearings highlighted strong support for continued USMCA trade integration

• Debate over the future of the Jones Act continues as some groups push for its repeal

• Trade associations continue analyzing the Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement

This week's episode centers on three major concerns emerging from the Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement.

First, Cindy discusses the growing pressure surrounding customs bonds. As duty exposure increases, bond amounts are reaching unprecedented levels, creating challenges for importers and sureties alike. Questions remain regarding how CBP intends to apply mitigation limitations and whether liquidated damages could be affected.

Second, the Executive Order's language regarding foreign importers of record has generated uncertainty throughout the trade community, particularly among Canadian companies that have historically operated under long-established customs practices.

Finally, ownership disclosure requirements raise new questions about how CBP intends to evaluate importer eligibility and whether foreign ownership percentages could influence future customs treatment.

While many support stronger enforcement against bad actors, Cindy emphasizes that additional clarification is needed to ensure legitimate importers are not unintentionally caught in the process.

• Section 122 tariff collections will continue while litigation proceeds

• Reconciliation entries become eligible for CAPE beginning June 29

• CBP maintains that liquidated entries require court direction before refunds can be issued

• USMCA negotiations appear likely to continue beyond the upcoming review deadline

• Bonding requirements are becoming increasingly burdensome for some importers

• Foreign importer of record restrictions may have significant implications for Canadian trade

• Ownership disclosure provisions remain one of the least understood portions of the Executive Order

• The trade community continues seeking clarity on how enforcement reforms will be implemented

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• Trade Force Multiplier

• United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

• Jones Act

• USMCA

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Host: Andy Shiles, Lalo Solorzano

Breaking into international trade can feel overwhelming, especially at a time when tariffs, enforcement, AI, and shifting regulations are changing the industry almost daily. In this episode of Simply Trade, Andy Shiles and Lalo Solorzano welcome Madison Lackey back to the show to discuss what it is really like to enter the trade compliance field as a young professional.

Madison shares her path from studying agriculture business at Cal Poly to earning her customs broker license and becoming a trade compliance consultant at Blue Tiger International. She offers honest insight into the pressure new graduates face, the importance of slowing down before choosing a job, and why certifications, conferences, networking, and mentorship can make a major difference.

The conversation also explores foreign trade zones, the growing knowledge gap as experienced professionals retire, and why young people have a major opportunity to step into the industry now. For students, early-career professionals, and managers building the next generation of trade talent, this episode offers practical advice and a fresh perspective.

This episode focuses on career development in international trade compliance, especially for younger professionals entering the field. Madison Lackey discusses how her education, broker license, certifications, conference networking, and willingness to take on uncomfortable opportunities helped her build momentum early in her career.

The discussion also highlights the current complexity of trade compliance, including tariffs, CBP enforcement, foreign trade zones, AI, and the retirement of experienced professionals. Madison emphasizes that this is a challenging but promising time to enter the industry because companies need people who can research, ask questions, build relationships, and adapt quickly.

• The customs broker license and CCS certification can provide a strong foundation, even for professionals who do not plan to work as brokers.

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Host: Lalo Solorzano

CBP is often viewed as the agency that audits, enforces, and creates stress for importers—but this episode reframes Customs and Border Protection as a practical compliance resource. Lalo Solorzano is joined by Denise to explore how importers can use CBP tools to reduce risk, improve consistency, and make better business decisions before goods ever reach the border.

The discussion highlights three key CBP resources: binding rulings, the CROSS ruling database, and Informed Compliance Publications. Denise explains how these tools help companies classify products correctly, determine origin, understand marking requirements, and demonstrate reasonable care. For small and mid-sized importers especially, these free public resources can provide much-needed guidance when legal or consulting support may not be readily available.

The episode also connects compliance work to everyday operations, showing how clear customs positions can support brokers, logistics teams, sourcing decisions, product design, and internal procedures.

This episode focuses on how importers can use CBP resources as proactive tools rather than viewing CBP only as an enforcement agency. Denise explains that binding rulings provide formal written decisions from CBP on issues such as classification, country of origin, and marking requirements. She also discusses the value of the CROSS ruling database, which allows companies to review how CBP has handled similar products or issues in the past.

The conversation also covers Informed Compliance Publications, which serve as foundational guidance on topics like classification, valuation, recordkeeping, textiles, footwear, and reasonable care. While some publications may appear dated, Denise emphasizes that they remain useful because they explain CBP’s core compliance expectations.

A major theme throughout the episode is reasonable care. By using CBP guidance, documenting decisions, and incorporating rulings into internal systems and SOPs, companies can build a stronger, more defensible compliance program.

• CBP provides free, public resources designed to help importers comply with the law.

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Host: Cindy Allen

In this week’s episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen takes listeners through another packed week of trade developments, from ongoing IEEPA refund litigation and new Section 301 actions to a sweeping Executive Order that may fundamentally reshape customs enforcement in the United States.

While courts continue wrestling with tariff refunds, liquidation issues, and class action requests tied to IEEPA duties, USTR is moving forward with several new Section 301 investigations and proposed tariff actions involving forced labor concerns, Brazil, Vietnam, and China.

But the biggest story of the week is the administration’s new Executive Order, Strengthening Customs Enforcement. Cindy explains why this may be one of the most significant customs policy developments in years, potentially transforming how CBP approaches importer accountability, non-resident importers, bonding requirements, ownership transparency, and enforcement authority.

Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Long Story Short, Cindy argues that after months of tariffs, litigation, policy shifts, and uncertainty, the message from this administration has become increasingly clear: trade compliance is no longer a support function—it is a business-critical requirement in an enforcement-first environment.

• IEEPA refund litigation continues as courts and the administration battle over liquidation and refund procedures

• A proposed class action seeks equal treatment for all companies that paid IEEPA duties

• USTR proposes new Section 301 actions tied to forced labor concerns affecting more than 60 countries

• Additional Section 301 developments target Brazil, Vietnam, and selected Chinese imports

• Section 232 revisions reduce tariff burdens on certain steel, aluminum, copper, HVAC, and agricultural products

• A major Executive Order on customs enforcement signals a new era of trade compliance expectations

The centerpiece of this week’s episode is the Executive Order titled Strengthening Customs Enforcement.

Cindy explains that while many headlines have focused on tariffs, this Executive Order may ultimately have a greater long-term impact on importers. The order directs CBP to examine and potentially implement significant changes affecting non-resident importers, ownership transparency, importer eligibility, bonding requirements, and broader customs enforcement authorities.

Many of these concepts trace back to discussions surrounding a "21st Century Customs Framework" that CBP and the trade community have debated for years. However, Cindy notes that the current approach appears heavily focused on enforcement while omitting many of the trade facilitation measures that industry groups had hoped would accompany those changes.

The result is a clear signal that trade compliance expectations are increasing and that CBP is positioning itself with a larger set of enforcement tools than ever before.

• IEEPA refund litigation remains active and unresolved

• New Section 301 proposals could affect imports from more than 60 countries

• Brazil and Vietnam are now facing separate Section 301 scrutiny

• Section 232 revisions may provide relief for certain importers

• The Executive Order on customs enforcement could reshape importer responsibilities

• CBP appears to be moving toward a more enforcement-driven trade environment

• Trade compliance is increasingly becoming a strategic business necessity rather than a back-office function

• Global Training Center

• Trade Force Multiplier

• Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee

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Host: Lalo Solorzano, Andy Shiles

Trade compliance has changed dramatically, and this episode digs into why importers, exporters, executives, and compliance professionals can no longer treat it as a back-office task. Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome Ashley Arnold, licensed customs broker, CCS, and founder of JEM Consulting, for a timely conversation on the evolving role of trade professionals in today’s regulatory environment.

Ashley explains how trade compliance now touches sourcing, finance, IT, logistics, purchasing, customer service, and executive strategy. With shifting tariffs, increased Customs scrutiny, ACE reporting, USMCA claims, duty mitigation opportunities, automation, and documentation challenges all demanding attention, the old “we’ve always done it this way” mindset is no longer enough.

The discussion highlights why companies need stronger internal collaboration, better systems, proactive monitoring, and more visibility into what Customs sees in real time. For executives, this episode is a reminder that compliance teams need resources, support, and a seat at the table. For trade professionals, it is a call to stay informed, ask questions, build relationships across departments, and keep pushing for smarter processes.

This episode focuses on the expanding role of trade compliance professionals and why companies must rethink how they support compliance, logistics, and supply chain teams.

Ashley Arnold explains that compliance work is no longer limited to classification, entry review, or post-entry audits. Today’s trade professionals are monitoring court cases, tariff updates, government notices, ACE reports, Customs requests, free trade agreement documentation, software workflows, and automation opportunities.

The conversation also emphasizes that compliance must be involved earlier in the business process. Purchasing, sourcing, finance, IT, logistics, and leadership all need to work together to prevent problems before shipments are delayed, costs increase, or Customs issues arise.

• Trade compliance now belongs in strategic planning, not just operations.

• Importers should have ACE access, run reports, and monitor Customs activity directly.

• USMCA, duty drawback, exclusions, tariff engineering, and free trade agreement claims require strong documentation and audit readiness.

• Automation and software can reduce manual work, but qualified trade professionals still need to review and validate decisions.

• Compliance teams must build relationships with IT, accounting, sourcing, logistics, purchasing, and customer service.

• Executives should ask whether their compliance teams have the tools, people, and cooperation they need.

• The phrase “we’ve always done it this way” is a warning sign in today’s trade environment.

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Host: Lalo Solorzano, Denise Smalls-Altagracia

In this Simply Trade Tips episode, Lalo Solorzano and Denise Smalls-Altagracia break down one of the most important but often misunderstood parts of U.S. import compliance: Partner Government Agencies, or PGAs. While many importers focus mainly on CBP, duties, tariffs, and broker filings, Denise explains why customs clearance is often much bigger than paperwork and duty payments.

PGAs regulate the products themselves, covering areas such as public health, safety, agriculture, environmental standards, transportation, and security. That means an entry may look correct from a customs perspective but still be delayed, detained, or refused if agency-specific requirements are missed. Denise also highlights common agencies importers may encounter, including FDA, USDA, APHIS, EPA, and CPSC, and explains why documentation, product classification, and early planning are essential.

This episode matters because PGA compliance directly affects speed, predictability, cost control, and supply chain reliability. Importers who understand agency requirements before shipments move are far better positioned to avoid costly surprises and keep trade moving.

This episode focuses on Partner Government Agencies and their role in the import process. Lalo and Denise explain that CBP may serve as the primary border authority, but PGAs are the subject matter experts that determine whether certain products meet U.S. requirements and can legally enter commerce.

The discussion covers what PGAs are, why they matter, which agencies importers commonly encounter, what documentation may be required, and how PGA compliance should be treated as a business function rather than a last-minute customs task.

• PGAs are federal agencies that work with CBP to regulate specific imported products.

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Host: Annik Sobing

CBS provides global business process solutions for international industrial companies. 

THIS PODCAST IS PRESENTED BY GLOBAL TRAINING CENTER

SAP GTS 11 to E4H: How to Convert Without Surprises

Annik Sobing welcomes Christine Tully and Robert Wieczorek to the Simply Trade Roundup for a conversation about one of the biggest transitions facing global trade teams right now: moving from SAP GTS 11 to SAP GTS Edition for S/4HANA (E4H). Sponsored by CBS (Corporate Business Solutions), this episode explores why the move is much more than a technical upgrade and what companies need to think about if they want to avoid surprises along the way. Christine and Robert break down the real-world challenges of a GTS conversion, including conversion approaches, system landscape design, downtime planning, testing, governance, and compliance stability.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why SAP GTS 11 needs to be replaced

Why this is a conversion, not just an upgrade

What conversion approaches companies can take

How to reduce risk during the transition

Why the ecosystem matters

What day-to-day compliance users need to know

Who this episode is for

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