Simply Trade

Host: Cindy Allen

In this week’s episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen breaks down one of the most intense stretches yet for the trade community as courts, CBP, and USTR continue reshaping the compliance landscape in real time.

Major developments continue around IEEPA litigation, reconciliation filings, CAPE processing issues, and ongoing court scrutiny over liquidated entries and duty refunds. Meanwhile, USMCA renegotiation discussions are beginning to signal potentially significant changes to country of origin requirements, component tracing, and automotive sourcing rules.

Inspired by New Romantics, Cindy reflects on the resilience of the trade community through nonstop operational and regulatory change. From brokers and compliance teams to importers and supply chain leaders, the industry continues adapting despite constant disruption.

• The United States Court of International Trade declined to stay its order regarding Section 122 tariff collection while appeals continue

• CBP filed guidance related to reconciliation entries and IEEPA duty handling for underlying entries and 09 reconciliation filings

• The court ordered the CBP Commissioner to appear at an upcoming June 9 hearing regarding liquidated entries and IEEPA duty resolution

• CAPE processing continues moving forward, though brokers and importers are still facing ACE-related filing complications and edit check issues

• Office of the United States Trade Representative continues active USMCA renegotiation discussions focused on automotive content, country of origin tracing, and supply chain transparency

This episode focuses heavily on the mounting operational pressure facing the trade community as regulatory, judicial, and enforcement developments continue accelerating simultaneously.

Cindy explains that reconciliation filers may soon face difficult timing decisions around underlying entries and 09 filings, especially as CBP and the courts work through how IEEPA duties should ultimately be handled. The upcoming court hearing involving the CBP Commissioner signals that the judiciary is taking a more active role in resolving outstanding liquidation and refund concerns.

On the operational side, CAPE continues functioning, but many brokers are encountering filing complications tied to duty stacking logic, tariff line placement, and legacy filing methods that predated clearer CBP guidance and ACE edit checks.

The episode also explores how USMCA negotiations are evolving beyond traditional tariff shift and regional value content calculations toward more aggressive component-level tracing and sourcing visibility requirements—particularly targeting concerns over Chinese components entering through Mexico.

• IEEPA litigation and reconciliation guidance continue evolving rapidly

• The June 9 court hearing could significantly impact duty refund handling and liquidated entries

• CAPE is operational, but ACE and filing correction challenges remain significant

• CBP help desk delays are creating operational strain across the trade community

• USMCA renegotiation discussions may fundamentally change future country of origin compliance requirements

• Trade professionals continue adapting despite relentless regulatory change

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Host: Lalo Solorzano, Andy Shiles

Mexico’s recent customs reforms are creating real challenges for companies moving goods across the border, especially U.S. exporters supplying Mexican importers and maquiladoras. In this episode, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles sit down with Miriam Name, Partner at Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton, to unpack what these changes mean in practical terms.

Miriam explains why Mexican authorities are now asking for more documentation, including formal contracts, valuation support, Incoterms, payment terms, and consistency across import records. She also shares why exporters can no longer rely on “the way we’ve always done it” when supporting their Mexican counterparts.

The conversation highlights how deeply integrated the U.S. and Mexico supply chains are, especially along the border, and why even small documentation inconsistencies can create major risks. From pedimentos and purchase orders to USMCA qualification and broker involvement, this episode gives trade professionals a clear starting point for reviewing their processes before an audit does it for them.

This episode focuses on Mexico’s customs law reforms and how they are affecting importers, exporters, maquiladoras, and cross-border supply chains. Miriam explains that Mexican authorities are looking for more support around customs valuation, formal agreements, payment terms, Incoterms, and consistency across documentation.

For U.S. exporters, the key message is that Mexican importers may now need more detailed support than before. That includes contracts, accurate product descriptions, valuation backup, and documentation that aligns across purchase orders, invoices, pedimentos, and certificates of origin.

The discussion also touches on USMCA, increasing duty exposure, audits in Mexico, and the importance of training, internal review, and proactive compliance.

• Mexico’s customs reforms are requiring more documentation and stronger valuation support from importers and their foreign suppliers.

• U.S. exporters should expect Mexican customers to request more information, including contracts, Incoterms, payment terms, and supporting documents.

• Consistency is critical. Details such as value, origin, product description, Incoterms, and payment terms should align across all trade documents.

• Companies should not assume that past practices are still acceptable. Internal reviews, sampling, broker confirmation, and outside guidance can help identify issues before they become audit problems.

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Host: Lalo Solorzano and Trudy Wilson

In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Trudy Wilson continue the Trudy’s Trade Tips series with another practical discussion on USMCA. This time, the focus is on documentation, certification requirements, and why tariff classification is the foundation for making accurate free trade agreement claims.

Trudy explains one of the biggest changes from NAFTA to USMCA: the old formal certificate of origin is gone. Instead, companies must ensure their USMCA certification contains the required minimum data elements, regardless of the format used. That flexibility can be helpful, but it also creates room for confusion when documents are unclear or incomplete.

The conversation also highlights the importance of identifying the certifier, exporter, producer, and importer, along with product descriptions, classifications, origin criteria, blanket periods, and certification statements. Trudy and Lalo then explain why tariff classification must come before USMCA qualification. If a company does not understand the classification of the finished product and its components, it cannot properly apply USMCA rules of origin.

This episode matters because USMCA savings are valuable, but only when claims are documented, supported, and correctly qualified.

This episode focuses on the documentation requirements for USMCA and the importance of tariff classification in determining whether goods qualify under the agreement.

Trudy explains that USMCA no longer requires the old NAFTA certificate format. Instead, companies must provide the required minimum data elements in whatever format they choose. This includes identifying the certifier, exporter, producer, and importer, along with the product description, tariff classification, origin criterion, blanket period, authorized signature, date, and certification statement.

A key point is that documentation must be clear. If a shipment includes both USMCA-qualifying goods and non-qualifying goods, the paperwork must clearly identify which items qualify. Mixing unclear origin declarations with USMCA claims can create confusion and risk.

The discussion then shifts to tariff classification. Lalo and Trudy emphasize that “all roads lead to the HTS.” USMCA qualification depends on understanding the classification of the finished product and the classifications of the components, parts, or ingredients used to make it. Without that foundation, companies cannot properly apply product-specific rules or determine whether a tariff shift has occurred.

• USMCA does not require the old NAFTA certificate form, but it does require specific minimum data elements.

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Host: Annik Sobing

Niki McKinnell on Sales, Marketing, and the Story Behind Supply Chain Growth

Annik Sobing welcomes Niki McKinnell to the Simply Trade Roundup for a conversation about what happens when sales and marketing break down in B2B SaaS supply chain companies. Niki shares how her career began in public sector communications and crisis press offices, how she learned to build a story with limited resources, and how that foundation shaped the way she approaches marketing, messaging, and go-to-market strategy today.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Niki built a career around storytelling

Why sales and marketing break down

What makes supply chain different

How to bring teams back into alignment

Why long sales cycles need a different approach

What to do when pipeline stalls

Who this episode is for

This podcast is presented by Global Training Center. 

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Host: Lalo Solorzano

In this special 500th episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano steps behind the mic solo for the first time to reflect on how the podcast began, how it has evolved, and where it may be headed next. What started during the pandemic as a way to recreate the casual, meaningful trade conversations usually found at conferences has grown into a platform with multiple hosts, recurring segments, conference partnerships, and a loyal trade community.

Lalo shares the origin story of the show, from its early days with Andy Shiles to the addition of voices like Annik, Cindy Allen, Renee, Julie, Warrington Ellicott, Trudy, and others. He also talks openly about the challenges of producing a podcast, the decision to remain mostly sponsor-free, and the importance of keeping the show focused on authentic conversations rather than outside influence.

This milestone episode is part reflection, part roadmap, and part thank-you note to the listeners, hosts, partners, and trade professionals who have helped Simply Trade reach 500 episodes.

This episode centers on the 500-episode milestone of Simply Trade and the evolution of the podcast from a pandemic-era idea into a broader trade media platform. Lalo reflects on the show’s beginnings, the people who helped shape it, and the different series that have emerged over time, including Cindy’s trade commentary, Canadian-focused episodes, professional development tips, conference partnerships, and potential future segments.

He also shares what may be coming next, including more trade crime episodes, possible Mexico-focused content, renewed “Simply Trade Folks” conversations, and more technology-focused discussions around AI and trade tools.

• Simply Trade began as a way to recreate informal trade conversations during the pandemic.

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Host: Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles

Export compliance is not always as simple as checking an ECCN, screening restricted parties, and moving forward. In this episode, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles speak with Josh Rodman, Senior Attorney with Schulz Trade Law, about a lesser-known export control issue involving Russia, Belarus, and outbound HTS-based controls under Part 746 of the EAR.

Josh explains why Russia and Belarus are different from most export destinations: certain products may trigger export licensing requirements based on their HTS code, even when the product appears to be EAR99 and even when the shipment is not going directly to Russia or Belarus. The bigger concern is diversion risk, especially when goods are shipped to high-risk jurisdictions such as Kazakhstan, the UAE, certain “STAN” countries, or other locations where products may later be transferred.

The conversation also covers routed transactions, USPPI responsibilities, the importance of accurate ECCN and HTS classification, shipper’s letter of instruction documentation, written procedures, customer due diligence, and when companies may need to consider licensing or deeper review before proceeding.

This episode focuses on how U.S. exporters can identify and manage export control risks tied to Russia and Belarus, even when they are not selling directly into those countries. Josh Rodman explains that Part 746 of the EAR creates outbound HTS-based controls for certain products destined for Russia or Belarus, or for transactions where there is a significant risk of diversion.

The discussion highlights how exporters can miss this issue if they only rely on ECCN analysis, restricted party screening, or standard export procedures. The hosts and guest also explore routed transactions, domestic sales that may later become exports, distributor risk, documentation practices, and the need for written compliance procedures and training.

• Russia and Belarus are unique because certain export controls are tied to outbound HTS codes, not only ECCNs.

• An EAR99 product may still require deeper review if the HTS code appears under Part 746 and there is a risk of diversion to Russia or Belarus.

• Exporters should not rely solely on customer assurances, especially when working with new distributors in higher-risk jurisdictions.

• Routed transactions do not eliminate the U.S. seller’s responsibilities; the USPPI should provide accurate ECCN information through the SLI.

• Written procedures, trained staff, accurate classifications, customer diligence, and documentation can help protect companies when export risks arise.

• Export opportunities remain strong, but companies need a solid compliance foundation before pursuing higher-risk international sales.

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Host: Lalo Solorzano and Trudy Wilson

In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Trudy Wilson return for another Trudy’s Trade Tips segment, shifting the conversation from Incoterms to USMCA and free trade agreements. The big message: you do not have to participate in a free trade agreement just because one is available.

Trudy explains why companies should pause before making USMCA or other FTA claims, especially if they do not have the proper documentation, qualification process, or internal controls in place. While free trade agreements can offer legitimate duty savings, they also come with responsibility. If your company claims preferential treatment, Customs can verify that claim, and you need to be ready to prove the goods qualify.

The episode also highlights why importers are not required to use a certificate just because they receive one, and why other duty-free provisions, such as Chapter 98, may sometimes be worth reviewing. Trudy closes with a key warning about USMCA preference criterion A: if you see it, challenge it.

This episode focuses on whether companies should participate in a free trade agreement, with special attention on USMCA. Trudy explains that FTAs can be valuable tools for reducing duty, but they should not be used casually or automatically.

A major point of discussion is the importance of supporting documentation. Companies that make USMCA claims must be able to prove that their products qualify under the agreement. If they cannot, they may be exposing themselves, and their customers, to verification risk.

Trudy also explains that importers have a choice. Even if a supplier provides a free trade agreement certificate, the importer does not have to use it. In some cases, another duty-free provision may be more appropriate, but those options also require documentation and proper reporting.

The conversation also introduces preference criteria, especially criterion A. Trudy warns that criterion A is often misunderstood and should only be used when every part, component, ingredient, or input can be traced back to the U.S., Mexico, or Canada.

• You do not have to participate in a free trade agreement simply because one is available.

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Host: Annik Sobing

Guest: Amy Morgan, Trade Compliance Executive, Advisor & Speaker. Former VP, Trade at Altana. Tradenerd.

Amy Morgan on Reinventing Trade Through Technology and Vision

Annik Sobing welcomes Amy Morgan back to the Simply Trade Roundup for a conversation about her journey through trade, technology, and transformation. Amy reflects on joining Altana during the uncertainty of the pandemic, helping build an AI-powered trade startup from the ground up, and what it meant to be part of a company that was ahead of the market. She shares how her perspective on trade compliance evolved, why she believes trade professionals need more strategic tools, and how she knew it was time to step into a new chapter while still staying connected to the work she cares about.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Amy entered the startup world

What it takes to build in AI and trade

How trade compliance has changed

Knowing when it’s time to move on

What she’s building now

Who this episode is for

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Host: Cindy Allen

Are We Out of the Woods Yet? Trade Policy, CAPE Updates, and a Push Toward Normalized Trade

In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen uses Taylor Swift’s “Are We Out of the Woods Yet?” to frame a week full of major trade developments. She covers the ongoing court fight over Section 122 tariffs, the Supreme Court’s ruling on freight broker liability, shifting freight and fuel costs tied to global conflict, and new pressure in USMCA negotiations. The episode also brings encouraging CAPE updates, including refunds reaching importers’ bank accounts, while highlighting the still-busy ACE help desk and the potential scope of phase two. Cindy closes by looking at recent U.S.-China developments and asking whether trade may finally be moving back toward a more stable, predictable path.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Section 122 and court action

Broker liability and vetting

CAPE progress and phase two

Trade policy and pricing pressure

Are we out of the woods?

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Host: Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles

In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome back trade data expert Ken Roberts of WorldCity for a timely look at the numbers shaping U.S. imports, exports, and global trade strategy. With trade policy, tariffs, supply chain shifts, AI demand, and geopolitical uncertainty all moving at once, Ken helps break down what the latest data is really showing.

The conversation covers major changes in U.S. trade flows, including shifts involving China, Mexico, Taiwan, Vietnam, Switzerland, Ireland, and Canada. Ken explains why certain categories, like gold, computers, AI-related hardware, pharmaceuticals, oil, beef, and vehicles, are seeing dramatic swings. He also highlights how front-loading ahead of tariffs, changing sourcing strategies, and evolving global demand are showing up in the numbers.

This episode matters because trade data is more than statistics. It is a window into where companies are sourcing, where markets are moving, and how business leaders should think about risk, opportunity, and long-term strategy in a changing global economy.

This episode focuses on current U.S. trade trends and what recent import and export data reveals about the changing global economy. Ken Roberts explains how trade volumes, deficits, product categories, and partner-country rankings are shifting in response to tariffs, AI infrastructure demand, energy markets, pharmaceutical movements, and geopolitical uncertainty.

A major theme is the continued reshaping of supply chains away from traditional patterns. China remains a major trade partner, but Ken points to significant declines in certain China-related trade flows, while countries like Mexico, Vietnam, and Taiwan are gaining importance. Taiwan’s growth is tied heavily to computer hardware and AI-related infrastructure, while Mexico continues to play a major role in cross-border trade and manufacturing.

The conversation also explores the difference between merchandise trade and services trade, why trade deficits matter, and how U.S. ports, airports, and border crossings are affected by changes in commodity flows.

Ken also shares thoughts on the future of USMCA, export market opportunities, and why trade professionals should pay close attention to the data before making assumptions.

• U.S. trade patterns are shifting quickly as tariffs, AI demand, and geopolitical pressures reshape global supply chains.

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