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Simply Trade

Simply Trade

By: Global Training Center
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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 insure trade compliance? Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’? If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you. Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade. We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed! You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders. Let’s get to it!Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Economics
Episodes
  • [Cindy's Version] Living Through Section 122, Steel Valuation Confusion, and the IEEPA Refund Wait, Forevermore

    [Cindy's Version] Living Through Section 122, Steel Valuation Confusion, and the IEEPA Refund Wait, Forevermore
    Mar 27 2026
    Host: Cindy Allen Show: Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version Published: March 27, 2026 Length: ~13 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Evermore: Section 122, Steel/Aluminum Valuation, DHS Funding, and the Never‑Ending IEEPA Refund Saga Cindy Allen returns with another Taylor Swift–themed trade update, this time using “Evermore” to capture how the trade community feels about the seemingly endless cycle of new tariffs, court decisions, and refund processes. She covers leadership changes at DHS, shifting timelines for key CBP events, fresh confusion around steel and aluminum valuation, Section 122 and 301/232 moves aimed at replacing IEEPA revenue, and why she thinks the trade world needs to hit “pause” on IEEPA expectations until CBP’s CAPE process is truly defined. What You’ll Learn in This Episode DHS & CBP updates New DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, a Trump‑aligned former U.S. Representative from Oklahoma, is sworn in; early signals focus on immigration, with little yet on customs. CBP’s Trade and Cargo Summit in Dallas is postponed from next month to September due to funding issues; existing registrations will be transferred, with updated instructions to come via CSMS/announcements. USMCA and steel/aluminum valuation USMCA: U.S. and Mexico are in talks to extend/renew the agreement using three‑year review periods with annual extensions—essentially letting it “limp along” another 4–10 years, but at least keeping parties at the table. Steel/aluminum/copper components: CBP has issued new but confusing and partly contradictory guidance on valuation; with court challenges pending and no comprehensive methodology, Cindy urges importers to consult counsel and test whether their approach is defensible under reasonable care standards. Section 122, 301, and 232 moves The White House again signals raising Section 122 tariffs from 10% to 15%, but provides no timing; the statutory 150‑day clock keeps running, raising questions about whether they’ll increase within that window or let it lapse and start a new 122 action. Legal uncertainty: Can the administration lawfully let one 122 action expire and immediately launch another at 15%? With no case law on this rarely used tool, Cindy expects eventual court challenges. New or adjusted Section 301 and potential 232 cases are clearly framed as ways to replace lost IEEPA revenue after the Supreme Court ruling; the administration also hints that announced rates may change after investigations and hearings. Forced labor and 301 justification questions One proposed 301 angle targets countries that “don’t fully enforce forced labor protections,” but Cindy questions how foreign import enforcement links to unfair trade practices harming U.S. commerce, given the U.S. already has its own forced labor import rules. She flags this as another area ripe for challenge if 301 gets stretched to cover other countries’ internal enforcement of their own import regimes. DHS budget standoff and FMC decision As of 1 p.m. CT on March 27: No DHS funding bill fully passed; the Senate approved a measure apparently including DHS funding but maybe not CBP/ICE, and then recessed until mid‑April. The House and the President’s final positions remain uncertain. Strait of Hormuz: Limited, negotiated safe‑passage traffic continues for some countries, but full reopening hasn’t happened; oil over $100/barrel is impacting carriers and downstream users. FMC: Denies some carriers’ requests for immediate rate hikes tied to Hormuz‑related fuel costs, holding them to the 30‑day notice requirement since the filings didn’t meet the criteria for accelerated increases. Evermore & IEEPA Refunds: Why Cindy Says “Pause” Using “Evermore,” Cindy captures the community’s sense that the “pain” of constant change might last forever—but the song’s ending points to eventual relief. She applies that to IEEPA refunds and the developing CAPE process: What we know (high level) CBP is building a CAPE‑based, automated, bulk refund system. Refunds will go to the importer of record or the broker, and complexity may factor into prioritization, as suggested in CBP Executive Director Brandon Lord’s declaration. What we don’t know (the bigger list) When refunds actually start flowing. What data declarations must include (entry number only, entry + IOR, more?). How liquidation status will drive treatment: Not liquidated. Liquidated but within 90 days (CBP’s reliquidation window). Between 90 and 180 days (inside protest window). Beyond 180 days (finally liquidated). Whether courts will effectively override the 180‑day finality to enable refunds on finally liquidated entries, and what administrative mechanism would exist to do so. How CBP will handle prioritization, multiple brokers on the same importer’s entries, and any limits on bulk submissions. Whether CBP will accelerate or use the normal ~314‑day ...
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    13 mins
  • [CRIMES] Locked In or Locked Out? The Tariff Case That Changed Everything

    [CRIMES] Locked In or Locked Out? The Tariff Case That Changed Everything
    Mar 26 2026
    🎧 Host(s)

    • Lalo Solorzano

    • Andy Shiles

    🎤 Guest

    • Mollie Sitkowski – Partner at Faegre Drinker

    📅 Published Date

    March 26, 2026

    ⏱️ Episode Length

    ~36 minutes

    🧠 Episode Summary

    In this episode of Simply Trade [CRIMES], we dive into a real-world trade case that highlights what can go wrong when compliance breaks down.

    Joined by trade attorney Mollie Sitkowski, Lalo and Andy unpack the details behind the case—what happened, where things went sideways, and what trade professionals can learn from it.

    From regulatory missteps to enforcement realities, this episode goes beyond theory and into the practical consequences companies face when trade compliance isn’t handled correctly.

    If you’ve ever wondered how small decisions can escalate into major legal and financial exposure—this episode is for you.

    🔑 Key Learnings

    • How real trade violations unfold in practice—not just in theory

    • The role of intent vs. negligence in enforcement actions

    • Common compliance gaps that can lead to significant penalties

    • How customs authorities evaluate and pursue cases

    • What companies should be doing to mitigate risk before issues arise

    💡 Key Takeaways

    • Trade compliance failures often start with small oversights that compound over time

    • Documentation, classification, and internal controls are critical risk areas

    • Enforcement is not just about penalties—it’s about accountability and precedent

    • Having the right expertise (legal + compliance) can change the outcome significantly

    • Learning from real cases is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your program

    ⚖️ Case Breakdown

    • Overview of the case and key facts

    • What triggered enforcement attention

    • Where the compliance breakdown occurred

    • Legal arguments and outcomes

    • Broader implications for the trade community

    🔗 Resources & Mentions

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

    • Relevant customs regulations and enforcement frameworks

    👏 Credits

    • Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles

    • Guest: Mollie Sitkowski

    • Produced by Global Training Center

    📲 Subscribe & Follow

    • 🎧 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

    • Trade Geeks Community: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast

    🎙️ Want to Be on the Show?

    Have a case, insight, or experience worth sharing? Join us on Simply Trade and be part of the conversation shaping the future of global trade.
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    37 mins
  • [TIPS] From Chaos to Clarity: Structuring Trade Compliance That Actually Works

    [TIPS] From Chaos to Clarity: Structuring Trade Compliance That Actually Works
    Mar 25 2026
    Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks Published: March 25, 2026 Length: ~10 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center 🎧 Episode Summary In this final episode of the Org Structures series, Renee and Julie bring everything together with real-world “what would you do?” scenarios that highlight how trade compliance structures actually perform under pressure. From centralized bottlenecks to decentralized chaos, they walk through common organizational models and—more importantly—how to fix the gaps using practical tools like RASCI frameworks, operational controls, and accountability mapping. The key message? Structure isn’t theoretical—it shows up in your delays, audits, and escalation emails. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Structure Drives Outcomes Trade compliance structure directly impacts: Clearance speed Audit exposure Broker performance Internal escalation If roles aren’t clearly defined, risk increases. If they are, compliance becomes operational and defensible. 2. RASCI = Clarity + Accountability A RASCI model helps define: R (Responsible): Executes the task A (Accountable): Owns the outcome S (Support): Assists execution C (Consulted): Provides input I (Informed): Kept in the loop Without this clarity, work gets duplicated—or worse, dropped entirely. 3. Centralized vs. Decentralized Isn’t the Problem Every model has strengths and gaps: Centralized: Strong control, slow execution Decentralized: Fast locally, inconsistent globally Matrix: Flexible, but can create decision confusion 👉 The solution isn’t choosing the “right” model— It’s designing controls, roles, and escalation paths that make it work. 4. Controls Make Compliance Real Policies alone don’t work. You need operational controls, such as: Required data fields in systems Dual classification reviews Approval workflows for high-risk shipments Embedded export screening checkpoints Standardized broker instructions These turn compliance from theory into execution. 5. “Trade as a Hobby” Is a Red Flag 🚩 When compliance is spread across teams with no clear owner: Tasks fall through the cracks Accountability disappears Risk increases The fix: ✔ Assign ownership ✔ Tie responsibilities to KPIs ✔ Make compliance part of performance 6. Alignment Beats Authority In complex orgs, success comes from: Cross-functional collaboration Clear escalation frameworks Defined decision boundaries As Renee and Julie highlight: “Collaboration replaces command and control.” 🚀 Figure It Out (FIO) – This Week’s Action If you’re working in a matrix or hybrid structure: 👉 Stop trying to own everything. Instead: Map a simple RASCI for one process (start small) Example: classification reviews or CF-28 responses Define: Who executes Who owns the outcome Who must be consulted Identify gaps in accountability 🎯 The goal: Turn confusion into clear ownership and faster decisions 💬 Join the Conversation How is your trade compliance function structured today? Centralized? Decentralized? Matrix? Something in between? 👉 Head over to the Trade Geeks community and share: Your structure Your biggest challenge How you’re applying this week’s FIO Credits Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli Julie Parks Producer: Lalo Solorzano 🎧 Subscribe & Follow New TIPS episodes every Tuesday. Presented by: Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals 🔗 Connect With Us Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn Global Training Center on LinkedIn YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Trade Geeks Community 💬 Don’t forget to rate, review & share with your fellow trade geeks! 🎙️ Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions? 📧 SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com 🐦 Twitter/X: @SimplyTradePod
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    13 mins
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