Simply Trade

By Global Training CenterBusiness

Simply Trade episodes

May 14 [TIPS] Why DDP Can Create Hidden Import Risk
Host: Lalo Solorzano and Trudy Wilson
Published: May 13, 2026
Length: 13:22
Presented by: Global Training Center
Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano welcomes back Trudy Wilson for another round of Trudy’s Trade Tips, continuing the conversation on Incoterms that deserve extra caution. After previously covering Ex Works, Trudy turns to the opposite end of the spectrum: DDP, or Delivered Duty Paid.
At first glance, DDP can sound like the easiest option for buyers because the seller appears to handle everything. But as Trudy explains, that convenience can come with serious compliance risk. Whether you are the seller taking responsibility for import requirements in another country, or the buyer relying on a foreign supplier to correctly manage customs clearance, DDP can create unexpected exposure.
The discussion breaks down why importers must stay alert to documentation, classification, tariffs, antidumping and countervailing duties, broker setup, and country-specific import rules. Trudy also explains why sales teams may love DDP from a customer service perspective, but compliance teams should take a closer look before agreeing to it.
This episode matters because Incoterms are not just shipping terms. They affect cost, risk, responsibility, and compliance exposure.
Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on the risks of using DDP, Delivered Duty Paid, in international transactions. Trudy explains that DDP places maximum responsibility on the seller, including transportation, costs, risk, and import compliance into the destination country.
For sellers, DDP may mean taking on import obligations in a country where they may not understand the rules or may not even be legally permitted to act as the importer. For buyers, DDP may seem convenient, but it can create risk when a supplier misclassifies goods, undervalues shipments, fails to account for tariffs, or does not properly set up broker authority.
Trudy also emphasizes that companies should not assume a freight forwarder or broker has the same capabilities in every country. Service provider coverage, local representation, and destination-country expertise are essential when considering any complex import transaction.
The episode closes with a practical reminder: companies can often simplify Incoterm decisions by focusing on a smaller group of more practical terms, while still getting proper training before applying them.
Key Takeaways
• DDP may sound convenient, but it can create major compliance exposure for both buyers and sellers.
• Sellers using DDP may become responsible for import rules and requirements in the destination country.
• Some countries do not allow foreign entities to complete DDP transactions unless they have the proper local presence.
• Buyers should not assume a supplier will correctly manage classification, valuation, tariffs, or duty requirements.
• Even if a buyer is listed only as the ultimate consignee, they may still be tied to the import transaction.
• Companies should verify broker setup, documentation, data elements, and service provider capabilities before agreeing to DDP.
• Trudy recommends staying away from DDP whenever possible and focusing on more practical Incoterms when appropriate.
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• TruTrade Solutions
Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Trudy Wilson – LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
📢 Subscribe & Follow
Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.
🎧 Listen on:
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
💬 Connect with us:
• Simply Trade
• Global Training Center
• Trade Geeks Community
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!
Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?
[email protected]
14 min
May 11 [ROUNDUP] Building a Career Through Opportunity and Resilience with Laura DiBella, Chairman at the Federal Maritime Commission
Host: Annik Sobing
Guest: Laura DiBella, Chair, Federal Maritime Commission
Published: May 2026
Length: ~27 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center
From Resilience to Maritime Leadership
Annik Sobing sits down with Laura DiBella for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and the path that brought her to the Federal Maritime Commission. Laura shares how her upbringing as a first-generation American, her family’s financial hardships, and the loss of her brother shaped her values and her drive to serve. The conversation also explores her career journey through real estate, economic development, ports, and maritime leadership, as well as what the industry needs now to move forward with clarity and support.
Who This Episode Is Valuable For
This episode is especially valuable for young professionals who are still figuring out their path and want to hear how resilience, adaptability, and being open to unexpected opportunities can shape a career. Laura’s story is also meaningful for leaders in her position or anyone at a senior level, because it offers a reminder of where they came from and how personal experience can influence the way they lead, serve, and make decisions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Laura’s early life
Laura talks about her Sicilian family background, the example her parents set, and how watching her father build a business from nothing shaped her understanding of hard work and perseverance. She also opens up about the hardships her family faced during the early 1990s recession.
How adversity shaped her path
The episode explores how personal loss and financial instability influenced Laura’s outlook on life and service. She explains how running, school, and later work became ways to channel that energy into something productive and meaningful.
Career growth across industries
Laura traces her path from real estate into economic development, then into port leadership, maritime work, and ultimately her current role at the FMC. Her story shows how one opportunity can lead naturally into the next when you stay open to learning and growth.
What maritime needs now
Laura gives a clear message that the maritime industry needs coordinated support, policy clarity, and real follow-through. She emphasizes that maritime priorities should not be stalled by politics and need urgent attention because of their impact on economic and national security.
Why her story resonates
The conversation is honest, thoughtful, and personal, making it one of the most memorable episodes of the show. Laura’s openness about her past and her willingness to keep showing up for the industry make this a powerful listen for anyone in trade or logistics.
Credits
Host: Annik Sobing
Guest: Laura DiBella
Presented by: Global Training Center
Subscribe & Follow
Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.
🎧 Listen on:
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
💬 Connect with us:
• Simply Trade
• Global Training Center
• Trade Geeks Community
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!
Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?
[email protected]
28 min
May 08[Cindy's Version] It's time to go (Back To a Traditional Trade Process)
Host: Cindy Allen
Published: May 2026
Length: ~12 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center
It’s Time to Go: Refunds, Trade Policy, and What Comes Next
In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen walks listeners through a busy week in international trade while using Taylor Swift’s “It’s Time to Go” as the theme. She covers the latest Court of International Trade ruling on Section 122, the ongoing CAPE refund process, Section 301 hearings, possible changes to Section 232 tariffs, and new concerns around CPSC data requirements. The episode also touches on fraud prevention, ACE help desk issues, and why it may be time to return to more traditional trade processes with clearer timelines and checks and balances.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Court and tariff updates
Cindy explains the recent CIT ruling on Section 122 and how it may affect future trade actions. She also discusses the possibility of further appeals and what that could mean for importers.
CAPE refund progress
The episode shares encouraging news that CAPE refunds are reportedly hitting bank accounts. Cindy also covers the 45-day review window and the safeguards CBP is using to catch duplicate or mistaken filings.
Fraud and cybersecurity concerns
Cindy highlights CBP’s webinar and CSMS update about fraud in the CAPE process, including the need to verify bank details and watch for duplicate filings. She notes that many of the problems CBP is seeing are clerical or procedural rather than outright fraud.
New compliance pressure
The conversation shifts to the upcoming CPSC data requirements and why many importers may not yet be prepared. Cindy explains that the timeline is tight and that companies should work closely with brokers to get ahead of the new filing expectations.
Why “It’s Time to Go” fits
Cindy uses the Taylor Swift song to reflect the need to move away from overly novel tariff approaches and back toward more traditional trade processes. Her message is that trade needs time, structure, and predictability in order to plan and adjust effectively.
Credits
Host: Cindy Allen
Presented by: Global Training Center
Subscribe & Follow
Stay up to date with the latest in global trade:
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🤝 Connect With Us
Global Training Center: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🎙️ Want to Be on the Show?
Have insights on trade compliance, enforcement trends, or real-world execution?
Reach out—we’d love to have you on.
13 min
May 07 How AI Product Passports Are Changing Trade Compliance; with Evan Smith
Host: Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles
Guest(s): Evan Smith
Published: May 7, 2026
Length: 43:23
Presented by: Global Training Center
Summary
Global trade is changing fast, and compliance teams are being asked to do more than ever before. In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome back Evan Smith of Altana to discuss how artificial intelligence, supply chain visibility, and product passports are reshaping the way importers, brokers, forwarders, and governments approach trade compliance.
Evan explains why traditional customs entry data is no longer enough for today’s regulatory environment, especially as forced labor enforcement, tariff stacking, rules of origin, carbon requirements, and geopolitical risk all demand a deeper understanding of the full value chain. The conversation explores how product passports can help companies move from reactive problem-solving to proactive trade assurance, allowing importers to document, validate, and communicate product and supply chain information before goods arrive at the border.
This episode matters because it highlights a major shift: trade compliance is no longer just a back-office function. It is becoming a strategic business capability that can reduce risk, improve speed to market, and create competitive advantage. Transcript source:
Main Topic / Discussion
The episode focuses on the rise of AI-enabled product passports and how they can help companies manage modern trade compliance challenges. Evan Smith explains how Altana’s technology maps value chain networks, supports regulatory attestations, and helps businesses better understand supplier relationships, origin data, forced labor risk, tariff exposure, USMCA qualification, and other trade requirements.
A key theme is the shift from transaction-based compliance to network-based compliance. Instead of relying only on individual customs entries, companies are being encouraged to build a deeper, ongoing view of their products and supply chains. This allows trade teams to identify risk earlier, respond more effectively to government inquiries, and potentially gain trade facilitation benefits through pre-validation and stronger documentation.
The discussion also emphasizes leadership’s role in elevating trade compliance across product design, sourcing, procurement, logistics, and overall business strategy.
Key Takeaways
• Customs authorities are increasingly focused on full supply chain and value chain visibility, not just entry-level transaction data.
• Product passports can help importers proactively document product identity, supplier networks, origin details, and compliance evidence.
• AI is not replacing trade professionals; it is giving them better tools to manage growing complexity.
• Trade compliance should be involved earlier in business decisions, including design, sourcing, procurement, and logistics planning.
• Companies that understand and manage their value chain networks can reduce risk, improve clearance outcomes, and create competitive advantage.
• Leadership must provide trade teams with the authority, budget, tools, and organizational access needed to respond to today’s trade environment.
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Altana
Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Andy Shiles – LinkedIn
Guest(s):
Evan Smith – LinkedIn
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
📢 Subscribe & Follow
Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.
🎧 Listen on:
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube
💬 Connect with us:
• Simply Trade
• Global Training Center
• Trade Geeks Community
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!
Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?
[email protected]
44 min
May 06Pete & Cindy Show: An Unfiltered Conversation on Audits, Refunds, and Broker Value
Host: Cindy Allen - Trade Force Multiplier
Guest: Pete Mento, Baker Tilly
Published: May 2026
Length: ~42 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center
CAPE Audits, Broker Value, and the Real Cost of Recovery
Cindy Allen sits down with Pete Mento of Baker Tilly for an unfiltered conversation about CAPE refunds, audits, broker fees, and what importers should really be thinking about as the refund process evolves. Pete shares why importers need to own the accuracy of their data, why audits matter before filing, and why the broker relationship is more important than ever when claims involve tariffs, offsets, and potential corrections. The episode also covers the value of customs brokerage, the debate over fee structures, and the impact of Amazon, reverse logistics, and broader market changes on the future of trade.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
CAPE rollout and audit readiness
Pete explains why the CAPE system has performed better than many expected and why importers should not assume the filing itself means the hard work is over. He emphasizes that the data behind the filing needs to be accurate before it is uploaded.
Importer responsibility
A major theme of the conversation is that the importer, not the broker, is ultimately responsible for the information in the entry. Pete and Cindy discuss why internal audits, review of stack orders, and entry-level diligence are essential before requesting a refund.
What broker services are worth
The episode digs into broker compensation, including the difference between commodity pricing and value-based service. Cindy and Pete discuss when fee structures feel fair, when they do not, and why brokers should be paid for real work and not treated as a free commodity.
Software, AI, and audit tools
Pete and Cindy also explore the role of software in auditing and why technology can help customs professionals focus on higher-value issues instead of repetitive checks. They compare the evolution of ABI to the current rise of AI and automation in trade.
Amazon and the future of logistics
The conversation closes with thoughts on Amazon, freight forwarding, and reverse logistics, including how major players are reshaping delivery, returns, and consumer expectations. It’s a forward-looking discussion about where trade and transportation may be headed next.
Credits
Host: Cindy Allen
Guest: Pete Mento
Presented by: Global Training Center
Subscribe & Follow
Stay up to date with the latest in global trade:
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🤝 Connect With Us
Global Training Center: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🎙️ Want to Be on the Show?
Have insights on trade compliance, enforcement trends, or real-world execution?
Reach out—we’d love to have you on.
42 min
May 05[Tips] Incoterms, FOB Confusion, and Why Ex Works May Not Be as Easy as It Looks
In this episode of Simply Trade, host Lalo Solorzano is joined by Trudy Wilson, longtime Global Training Center instructor and trade compliance expert, for the first installment of what Lalo calls “Trudy’s Trade Tips.”
This conversation focuses on a foundational topic that continues to create confusion across import and export teams: Incoterms 2020.
Trudy breaks down why companies should not simply default to familiar terms like FOB or Ex Works, especially when containerized freight, export filing, loading responsibility, and risk exposure are involved.
Key Takeaways
Incoterms are voluntary, but they help buyers and sellers clearly define responsibility.
There are 11 Incoterms, but most companies should focus primarily on the 7 “any mode” terms.
FOB, CIF, CFR, and FAS are often misused when goods are moving in containers.
“Ocean shipment” does not automatically mean one of the ocean-only terms applies.
Ex Works may look simple for the seller, but it can create serious compliance and operational risk.
Export filing, proof of export, loading responsibility, and product destination still matter.
AI and automation can help, but trade professionals still need the foundation to validate results.
Featured Discussion
Trudy explains why the four sea and inland waterway terms should generally be reserved for goods that are “pumped or dumped” onto a vessel, such as oil, grain, minerals, or ore.
For most containerized shipments, even when moving by ocean, companies should usually be evaluating the seven any-mode Incoterms instead.
She also cautions against the casual use of Ex Works, reminding exporters that “easy” does not always mean low risk.
Memorable Quote
“If you don’t have the foundation right, you’re going to have issues with the tariffs anyway.”
Hosts
Lalo Solorzano
Trudy Wilson
About Simply Trade
Simply Trade is a podcast by Global Training Center, created for trade compliance professionals, importers, exporters, customs brokers, and supply chain leaders who want practical conversations about global trade.
📢 Subscribe & Follow
Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.
🎧 Listen on:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
💬 Connect with us:
Simply Trade on LinkedIn
Global Training Center on LinkedIn
Trade Geeks Community
18 min
May 04What Trade Media Is Seeing That Others Aren’t with Eric Johnson
Host: Annik Sobing
Guest: Eric Johnson - Journal of Commerce
Published: May 2026
Length: ~34 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center
AI, Trade Reporting, and Why the Industry Is Changing Faster Than Ever
Annik Sobing sits down with Eric Johnson of the Journal of Commerce for a wide-ranging conversation about trade media, logistics, technology, and the growing influence of AI across the industry. Eric shares how his reporting career led him from newspapers and ports coverage into trade journalism, why global experience sharpened his perspective, and how the pace of change has accelerated as the industry becomes more connected and more technical. The discussion also explores TPM, how conferences are evolving, and why smart technology still depends on smart people.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Eric’s background
Eric shares how he moved from sports journalism into trade reporting after covering the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. He explains how travel, international exposure, and a love of writing shaped the career path that brought him to the Journal of Commerce.
How trade reporting works
Eric explains that trade journalism is built on conversations, sources, and a wide horizontal view of the industry. He discusses how reporters learn from brokers, forwarders, shippers, carriers, and consultants to build a clearer picture of what is happening across the supply chain.
The impact of culture and perspective
The conversation explores how working and traveling abroad changed Eric’s writing style and made him more sensitive to different communication styles, especially when covering people across regions and languages. He talks about the importance of being accurate, fair, and empathetic in reporting.
How the industry has changed
Eric reflects on how the core work in logistics and trade has stayed mostly the same, even as technology, internet access, and media coverage have transformed the way information moves. He argues that AI is speeding up the pace of change, but not replacing the underlying work itself.
TPM and the future of events
The episode also covers TPM’s evolution from a shipping-focused conference into a broader industry gathering shaped by technology, geopolitics, and operational complexity. Eric explains why TPM still matters most as a place where people meet face-to-face to solve real business problems.
AI, investment, and resilience
Annik and Eric also discuss how different types of companies should think about investing in technology. Eric notes that asset-light companies, asset-heavy companies, and shippers all face different incentives and risk levels when deciding how aggressively to adopt AI and other tools.
Credits
Host: Annik Sobing
Guest: Eric Johnson
Presented by: Global Training Center
Subscribe & Follow
Stay up to date with the latest in global trade:
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🤝 Connect With Us
Global Training Center: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🎙️ Want to Be on the Show?
Have insights on trade compliance, enforcement trends, or real-world execution?
Reach out—we’d love to have you on.
35 min
May 01[Cindy's Version] There is Happiness in Global Trade
Host: Cindy Allen
Published: May 2026
Length: ~12 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center
Trade Complexity, CAPE Rejections, and Why “Happiness” Fits the Moment
In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen steps back from the usual CAPE-only focus to look at the broader trade landscape, from AGOA comments and EU sanctions to OFAC changes, DOJ enforcement, and shipping developments at the FMC. She also discusses the latest CAPE refund updates, including rejection rates, sequencing issues, and the practical steps importers need to take if their entries were filed before guidance was finalized. Using Taylor Swift’s “Happiness” as her theme, Cindy reflects on the complexity of the current trade environment and why both frustration and optimism can exist at the same time.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
AGOA and global policy updates
Cindy highlights the USTR’s request for comments on AGOA and notes the upcoming expiration deadline at the end of the year. She also touches on revised EU sanctions against Russia and changes in OFAC contracting for sanctioned entities in oil and gas.
DOJ enforcement and supply chain risk
The conversation covers the DOJ’s plywood fraud case and the importance of supply chain diligence, willful blindness, and origin tracing. Cindy emphasizes that buyers need to know who they are dealing with and where goods actually come from.
Shipping and market pressure
Cindy discusses the FMC’s record award involving OOCL and Bed Bath & Beyond, as well as the continuing Strait of Hormuz blockage and its impact on oil, gas, and jet fuel availability. These developments show how trade, shipping, and geopolitics are all connected.
CAPE refund complexity
The biggest portion of the episode focuses on CAPE refund rejections, especially “unable to calculate duty” and sequencing errors. Cindy explains why importers should work closely with their brokers, review PSCs where necessary, and understand how ACE reports and tariff timing affect eligibility.
The meaning of “Happiness”
Cindy uses Taylor Swift’s “Happiness” to reflect the emotional complexity of trade right now. She notes that the industry is experiencing both frustration and opportunity, and that there may be happiness after this difficult season as trade professionals continue to play a bigger role.
Credits
Host: Cindy Allen
Presented by: Global Training Center

Subscribe & Follow
Stay up to date with the latest in global trade:
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🤝 Connect With Us
Global Training Center: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🎙️ Want to Be on the Show?
Have insights on trade compliance, enforcement trends, or real-world execution?
Reach out—we’d love to have you on.
12 min
April 30CAPE: How to Actually Do It, with Bonnie Kersch
🎧 Hosts
Andy Shiles
Lalo Solorzano
🎤 Guest
Bonnie Kersch, Founder of Magnolia Global Trade Solutions
📅 Published Date
April 30, 2026
⏱️ Episode Length
~37 minutes
📝 Episode Summary
IEEPA duty refunds are creating a major opportunity—but only for companies that know how to navigate CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) correctly.
In this episode of Simply Trade, Andy and Lalo sit down with Bonnie Kersch to break down what CAPE actually means in practice and how importers should be preparing to take advantage of potential refunds.
This isn’t theoretical.
The conversation focuses on:
What CAPE is designed to do
How it applies in the context of IEEPA refunds
What importers need to have in place before taking action
With guidance tied directly to CBP’s latest direction—including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection IEEPA refund guidance—this episode helps translate policy into real-world execution.
🔑 Key Topics Discussed
What CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) actually is
How CAPE connects to IEEPA duty refund opportunities
Why many companies may not be ready to take advantage of refunds
The importance of having accurate entry data and documentation
Operational challenges in identifying eligible entries
The role of internal processes vs. external partners (brokers, systems)
What importers should be doing now to prepare
🧭 CAPE in Practice (From the Episode)
1. Understand What CAPE Is—and Isn’t
CAPE is not just a filing mechanism—it’s a structured way to manage and process entries in a consolidated manner.
👉 Misunderstanding this leads to missed opportunities or incorrect filings.
2. Identify Potentially Impacted Entries
To take advantage of IEEPA refunds, companies need visibility into:
Historical entries
Duty payments
Relevant classifications and applicability
👉 If your data is fragmented, this becomes a major barrier.
3. Validate Eligibility for Refunds
Not every entry will qualify.
This step requires:
Careful review of CBP guidance
Alignment with IEEPA applicability
Internal validation before submission
📌 Reference:
IEEPA Duty Refund Guidance
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/trade-remedies/ieepa-duty-refunds
4. Coordinate Across Teams and Partners
CAPE execution isn’t done in isolation.
It requires coordination between:
Trade compliance teams
Brokers
Finance
Internal data owners
👉 Misalignment here can delay or derail the process.
5. Ensure Documentation & Audit Readiness
Any refund request will need to stand up to scrutiny.
👉 This means having:
Clear records
Supporting documentation
A defensible position
💡 Key Takeaways
CAPE is an operational process—not just a concept
Execution is what determines success.
Data visibility is critical
If you can’t easily access and analyze your entry data, you’re already behind.
IEEPA refunds present real opportunity—but also risk
Companies need to be deliberate, not reactive.
Preparation matters now
Waiting until deadlines or enforcement increases will limit your options.
🚨 Why This Episode Matters
IEEPA-related refund opportunities are time-sensitive and complex.
Companies that:
Don’t understand CAPE
Don’t have their data organized
Or rely solely on third parties
👉 may miss out entirely—or expose themselves to compliance risk.
This episode gives a practical lens on what needs to happen next.
🔗 Resources & Mentions
U.S. Customs and Border Protection IEEPA Refund Guidance:
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/trade-remedies/ieepa-duty-refunds
Magnolia Global Trade Solutions
👏 Credits
Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano
Guest: Bonnie Kersch
Produced by Global Training Center
🔔 Subscribe & Follow
Stay up to date with the latest in global trade:
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🤝 Connect With Us
Global Training Center: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🎙️ Want to Be on the Show?
Have insights on trade compliance, enforcement trends, or real-world execution?
Reach out—we’d love to have you on.
38 min
April 28[TIPS]: From Activity to Impact: Making Trade Strategy Visible
Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks
Series:
Tactical vs. Strategic (Series 7)
Episode:
Episode 5 – Demonstrating Strategic Value
Length:
~15 minutes
🎧 Episode Summary
In this final episode of the Tactical vs. Strategic series, Renee and Julie focus on one of the most critical (and often overlooked) skills in trade leadership:
👉 Showing the value of strategic trade
Because here’s the reality—many trade teams are already doing strategic work…
they’re just not showing it in a way leadership understands.
This episode breaks down how to shift from reporting activity (what you did) to demonstrating impact (what changed because of you). From metrics to messaging, this is your guide to making trade visible, measurable, and tied directly to business outcomes.
🔑 Key Topics Covered
Why strategic work often goes unseen
The difference between activity metrics vs. impact metrics
How to translate trade work into business value
Structuring executive-ready dashboards and presentations
Connecting trade decisions to financial outcomes
Building visibility through communication and reporting
📊 Activity vs. Impact Metrics
Activity Metrics (Tactical):
Entries filed
Classifications completed
Trainings delivered
Impact Metrics (Strategic):
Duty savings achieved
FTA utilization rates
Error rate reduction
Cycle time improvements
Audit outcomes
Reduction in manual work
💡 Executives don’t just want to know what you did—
they want to know what changed because of it
🧠 Key Takeaways
Strategic work only matters if it’s visible to leadership
Trade must be:
Operational
Measurable
Defensible
Show trends, not just totals:
Volume increases
Regulatory complexity
Resource constraints
Keep executive reporting:
Simple
Visual
On one slide
Always include:
Goal lines
Status indicators (🟢🟡🔴)
Back up your metrics with clear methodology (especially early on)
💡 How to Communicate Strategic Value
Tie trade activity to:
Landed cost reduction
Risk avoidance
Compliance improvements
Show how trade influences:
Sourcing decisions
Supply chain design
Tariff strategy
Market expansion
Move trade from:
👉 Gatekeeper → Strategic Advisor
📈 Ways to Increase Visibility
Quarterly operations reviews
Trade dashboards with key metrics
Executive briefings on regulatory changes
Participation in sourcing & supply chain strategy
Sharing “wins” (a.k.a. unicorn projects 🦄)
💡 If you’re not communicating your value—
it’s not being seen
🚀 FIO (Figure It Out) – Call to Action
Pick one metric leadership cares about right now:
Cost savings
Risk reduction
Duty avoidance
👉 Start reporting on it consistently
Whether it’s:
A dashboard
A newsletter
A leadership update
The goal is simple:
Shift perception from tactical support → strategic value creation
💬 Join the Conversation
Head over to the Trade Geeks Community and tell us:
What metric did you choose?
How are you reporting it?
Are you starting to see a shift in perception?
🎙️ Credits
Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli → https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-chiuchiarelli-lcb-ccs-8964a19/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Julie Parks → https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ann-parks/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano → https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🎧 Subscribe & Follow
New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.
Presented by:
Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals
👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Connect With Us:
Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn
Global Training Center on LinkedIn
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Trade Geeks Community → https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
💬 Don’t forget to rate, review & share with your fellow trade geeks!
✉️ Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?
📧 [email protected]
🐦 Twitter/X: @SimplyTradePod
16 min

About Simply Trade

From the publisher's feed

Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work?

Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to…