Simply Trade

Global Training Center
  • 4.7 (23)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

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!

  1. 1d ago

    [Cindy's Version?] Sad But True: Trade Compliance Is Getting More Demanding

    Host: Lalo Solorzano Published: July 10, 2026 Length: ~12 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary This week, Lalo Solorzano steps in behind the microphone while Cindy Allen enjoys a well-earned vacation—and instead of Taylor Swift, he's drawing inspiration from Metallica's "Sad But True." The title fits. Across CBP, the Department of Commerce, and the FTC, one message is becoming increasingly clear: trade compliance is becoming more data-driven, more electronic, and more demanding. From modernization initiatives and export controls to de minimis implementation and "Made in USA" enforcement, organizations are being expected to prove more, document more, and know more about every transaction. Rather than focusing on a single headline, this episode connects the dots between several regulatory developments to highlight a broader trend shaping the future of international trade. This Week in Trade CBP continues modernizing trade processes through expanded electronic filing initiatives, including e-bonds, export manifests, and vessel entry modernization. Rulemaking continues following the end of de minimis treatment, with new electronic filing requirements for informal entries and international mail shipments. CBP is evaluating additional importer identity verification requirements for customs brokers. The Department of Commerce continues advancing work on Section 232 actions, AD/CVD proceedings, and export control regulations. The FTC issued warning letters to companies regarding potentially improper "Made in USA" claims. Main Topic Although this week's news covers multiple agencies and regulatory actions, the underlying story is much larger than any one announcement. Lalo explains how CBP, Commerce, and the FTC are all moving toward the same objective: greater visibility into international trade through better data, stronger documentation, and increased accountability. Whether companies are filing customs entries, managing exports, making country-of-origin claims, or relying on e-commerce fulfillment models, compliance is becoming less about reacting to problems and more about demonstrating that internal controls, documentation, and processes are already in place. As Lalo puts it throughout the episode—"Sad but true." Key Takeaways Electronic filing and automation continue replacing paper-based trade processes. The post–de minimis environment requires greater attention to entry data and importer responsibilities. Companies should routinely evaluate potential AD/CVD exposure rather than relying solely on tariff classifications. Export compliance continues expanding into advanced technologies, software, AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology. "Made in USA" claims should be treated as compliance statements—not marketing slogans. Strong documentation and cross-functional collaboration are becoming competitive advantages. Resources & Mentions Global Training Center U.S. Customs and Border Protection U.S. Department of Commerce Federal Trade Commission Credits Host Connect with Lalo on LinkedIn Producer 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 on LinkedIn Trade Geeks Community

    11 min

  2. 2d ago

    CPSC eFiling Is Here: What Importers Need to Know About July 8 Requirements

    Host: Lalo Solorzano, Andy Shiles Guest(s): Jen Diaz Published: July 9, 2026 Length: 31:14 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary The Consumer Product Safety Commission is entering a new era of import enforcement, and importers need to pay attention. In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome back trade attorney Jen Diaz for a timely conversation about CPSC’s move into mandatory electronic filing for Certificates of Compliance. Jen breaks down what importers must understand regarding the July 8, 2026 effective date, including when products require testing, what certificates must include, and why relying on assumptions or HTS codes alone can create serious risk. From children’s apparel and toys to bicycles, helmets, mattresses, rugs, furniture, jewelry, and other consumer products, the discussion makes clear that CPSC requirements can reach far beyond what many companies expect. The episode also highlights practical steps importers can take now: use CPSC’s Regulatory Robot, confirm whether a Children’s Product Certificate or General Certificate of Conformity is required, work with approved testing labs, and provide certificate data to brokers before entry. For companies importing regulated consumer products, this is not just another paperwork change. It is a compliance checkpoint that could determine whether goods move smoothly or get stopped at the border. Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses on CPSC’s mandatory eFiling requirement for Certificates of Compliance and what it means for importers of regulated consumer products. Jen Diaz explains how the requirement fits into a broader enforcement trend, why importers should conduct product-level compliance reviews before shipping, and how tools like CPSC’s Regulatory Robot can help companies identify applicable safety rules, testing obligations, and certificate requirements. The discussion also explores potential delays, cargo holds, laboratory testing concerns, HTS flagging, broker communication, and the importance of maintaining strong records before goods arrive in the United States. Key Takeaways • CPSC eFiling becomes a major compliance requirement for importers of regulated consumer products beginning July 8, 2026. • Importers should not rely only on HTS codes; they should use the CPSC Regulatory Robot to determine whether specific products are subject to CPSC rules. • Products that may trigger CPSC requirements include children’s apparel, toys, bicycles, helmets, mattresses, rugs, imitation jewelry, pacifiers, furniture, and other general consumer goods. • Importers may need either a Children’s Product Certificate or a General Certificate of Conformity, depending on the product and applicable safety rules. • Certificate data should be ready before importation and provided to brokers early so it can be filed properly with the entry. • Testing labs matter. Importers should verify that required testing is performed by approved laboratories and keep strong documentation in case CPSC questions the shipment. • Compliance should happen before sales, manufacturing, and shipping—not after cargo is already on hold. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • CPSC Regulatory Robot: Safer Products Start Here • CPSC Guidance and HTS List for Filing Electronic Certificates • CPSC eFiling Resources Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn Andy Shiles – LinkedIn Guest(s): Jen Diaz – 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? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

    31 min

  3. 3d ago

    [TIPS] What Do the World Cup and Beyoncé Have in Common?

    Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Ashley Arnold Published: July 8, 2026 Length: 11:26 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary What do the World Cup, Beyoncé’s world tour, and international trade compliance have in common? More than most people realize. In this July Tips episode of Simply Trade, host Lalo Solorzano welcomes Ashley Arnold as the featured tips instructor for the month. Together, they connect major global events, concerts, soccer tournaments, trade shows, and traveling equipment to one important compliance tool: the ATA Carnet. Ashley explains how ATA Carnets work like a “product passport” for goods that temporarily enter a country and then leave again. From cameras and stage equipment to trade show booths and production gear, these items are not being sold, but they still cross borders and need proper documentation. Instead of paying duties and taxes and later trying to recover them, companies can use a carnet to simplify temporary importation. This episode makes a technical trade topic practical, timely, and easy to understand by showing how compliance plays a role behind the scenes of entertainment, sports, events, and business travel. Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses on ATA Carnets and how they support temporary international movement of goods. Ashley Arnold explains that when equipment travels internationally but is not sold and must return home, an ATA Carnet can help avoid unnecessary duties, taxes, and documentation burdens. Using examples like the World Cup, Beyoncé’s world tour, international camera equipment, stage gear, and trade show booths, Lalo and Ashley show how global events depend on trade compliance. They also clarify that items intended to stay in the destination country, such as promotional giveaways or merchandise for sale, generally do not belong on a carnet. Key Takeaways • ATA Carnets are useful for goods that temporarily enter another country and return home. • Carnets can help avoid paying duties and taxes upfront and then trying to recover them later. • Not everything crossing a border is for retail sale, and that distinction matters in trade compliance. • Carnets are commonly used for cameras, stage equipment, trade show booths, and other event-related gear. • Promotional items, giveaways, merchandise for sale, and goods that will remain abroad generally should not be placed on a carnet. • Customs brokers and specialized carnet service providers can help companies determine when and how to use one. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Lalo Solorzano on LinkedIn • Ashley Arnold on LinkedIn Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn Guest(s): Ashley Arnold – 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? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

    12 min

  4. Jul 3

    [Cindy's Version] When Everyone Owns the Risk

    Host: Cindy Allen Published: July 3, 2026 Length: ~15 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary This week on Simply Trade: Cindy's Version, Cindy Allen unpacks another busy week in international trade, covering updates on CAPE refunds, post-summary correction payments, Section 232 investigations, the future of USMCA, and a major Department of Justice settlement involving Alibaba. Using Taylor Swift's "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" as this week's theme, Cindy explores a broader question facing the trade community: Where should responsibility begin—and where should it end? As government enforcement expands beyond importers to brokers, online marketplaces, and other supply chain participants, the episode examines how increased accountability may reshape global trade while raising important questions about fairness, due diligence, and practical implementation. This Week in Trade Members of Congress urged USTR to allow the current Jones Act waiver to expire as scheduled. The Department of Commerce launched a new Section 232 investigation involving certain coal imports. Beginning August 5, CBP will require ACH payments for duties owed on Post-Summary Corrections. CAPE continues expanding, including refund eligibility for qualifying reconciliation entries, while CBP reported significant processing progress. The United States formally initiated the USMCA withdrawal process, beginning the review and renegotiation timeline. The Department of Justice announced a $600 million settlement with Alibaba related to alleged violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Main Topic The episode's central discussion focuses on the growing trend of expanding legal responsibility across the supply chain. Using the Alibaba settlement as an example, Cindy explores whether online marketplaces, customs brokers, and other intermediaries are increasingly being held accountable for actions traditionally associated with manufacturers or importers. She compares this trend to recent customs enforcement initiatives that place greater expectations on brokers and service providers to identify and report potential violations. The discussion raises an important question for trade professionals: How much responsibility can reasonably be placed on parties who facilitate commerce but may not own, manufacture, or control the products themselves? Key Takeaways CBP continues refining the CAPE refund process as filings increase. ACH payments will soon become mandatory for duties owed on Post-Summary Corrections. USMCA has officially entered its formal review and withdrawal process. The Alibaba settlement signals expanding government expectations for e-commerce platforms. Customs enforcement continues moving toward broader supply chain accountability. Companies throughout the supply chain should expect increasing due diligence expectations. Resources & Mentions Global Training Center Trade Force Multiplier Alibaba USMCA Jones Act Credits Host • Cindy Allen – 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 Global Training Center on LinkedIn Trade Geeks Community

    14 min

  5. Jul 2

    USMCA Status Check: Is the Agreement Really Ending?

    Host: Lalo Solorzano, Andy Shiles Guest(s): Fausto R. Lopez Aguilar Published: July 2, 2026 Length: 31:00 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary The USMCA review process is creating questions across North American trade circles: Is the agreement ending? Are new rules already in effect? What should companies do now? In this episode of Simply Trade, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles sit down with Fausto R. Lopez Aguilar, Vice President of COMCE Sur and a participant in USMCA/TMEC discussions, to clarify what is really happening. Fausto explains the USMCA sunset clause, why the agreement remains in force, and what the current review process means for businesses operating in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The conversation explores the most active topics on the table, including automotive rules of origin, labor value content, steel and aluminum requirements, China-related concerns, tariffs, and the future of regional sourcing. Fausto also shares practical guidance for companies that already claim USMCA benefits and for those that previously avoided qualification because it seemed too complex. The key message: USMCA is still alive, but companies should not be passive. Compliance reviews, origin documentation, tariff classifications, and supply chain localization are becoming more important than ever. Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses on the current USMCA review process and what it means for companies doing business in North America. Fausto explains that the agreement has not been terminated and that current rules remain in place. However, because the United States has chosen not to simply extend the agreement as-is, the countries are entering a period of yearly reviews that could lead to negotiated changes. The discussion highlights the importance of certainty for investment, the role of industry associations in shaping negotiating positions, and the compliance steps companies should take now to prepare for increased scrutiny. Key Takeaways • USMCA remains in effect, and companies should continue operating under the current rules unless and until negotiated changes are formally implemented. • The review process is expected to focus heavily on agriculture, automotive, and steel, with automotive rules of origin and labor value content receiving particular attention. • Companies claiming USMCA benefits should perform internal “sanity checks” on tariff classification, origin calculations, certificates of origin, and supporting documentation. • Businesses that previously chose not to qualify under USMCA should reconsider, especially as tariff exposure and enforcement pressure increase. • Regional sourcing and supply chain visibility are becoming more important as companies prepare for future origin verifications and possible rule changes. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Lalo Solorzano on LinkedIn • Andy Shiles on LinkedIn • Fausto R. Lopez Aguilar on LinkedIn Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn Andy Shiles – LinkedIn Guest(s): Fausto R. Lopez Aguilar – 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? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

    32 min

  6. Jun 30

    [TIPS] Why Cross-Functional Training Matters in Trade Compliance

    Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Denise Published: June 30, 2026 Length: 21:23 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Trade compliance does not happen in a vacuum. In this episode, Lalo Solorzano wraps up the four-part series with Denise by exploring why cross-functional training and stronger internal partnerships are essential for smoother global trade operations. From classification and customs audits to cost forecasting and border delays, the conversation highlights how trade compliance depends on collaboration across departments that may not always realize they play a role in trade. Denise explains why teams like engineering, finance, procurement, sourcing, logistics, and supply chain all bring critical knowledge to the table. When those teams operate in silos, companies face rushed decisions, unclear ownership, duplicated work, and avoidable compliance risk. But when they align around shared goals, define roles early, communicate clearly, and close the loop after decisions are made, trade becomes less of a roadblock and more of a strategic partner. This episode offers practical guidance for building trust, reducing last-minute fire drills, and turning one-off requests into long-term business relationships. Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses on the importance of cross-functional partnerships in trade compliance. Lalo and Denise discuss how departments outside of trade compliance—such as engineering, finance, procurement, logistics, sourcing, and supply chain—directly influence trade outcomes, even when they do not see themselves as part of the trade process. Denise breaks the process into three practical phases: before the work begins, while the work is underway, and after decisions are made. She explains how teams can align on shared goals, clarify expectations, make collaboration easier, and recognize contributions to strengthen future partnerships. The episode also uses tariff classification during a product launch as a practical example of what can go wrong when teams do not communicate early, and what changes when companies create a structured, proactive partnership around trade decisions. Key Takeaways • Trade compliance is most effective when departments work as partners, not isolated teams. • Shared goals help turn competing priorities into collaborative problem-solving. • Clear roles and expectations reduce defensiveness, confusion, and duplicated work. • Strong cross-functional relationships lead to fewer border issues, better cost predictability, and a stronger position with customs authorities. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Incoterms training • CTPAT training • Tariff classification • Cross-functional trade compliance training Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn Guest(s): Denise – LinkedIn Producer: Mara Marquez 📢 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? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

    22 min

  7. Jun 29

    [Canada] New Forced Labor and Data Bills: What Traders Need to Know

    Host: Warrington Ellacott Guest(s): Yannick Trudel Published: June 29, 2026 Length: Approx. 21 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Canada is moving quickly on several legislative fronts that could reshape how importers, exporters, manufacturers, and distributors manage trade compliance. In this episode, Warrington Ellacott is joined by Yannick Trudel, Partner at McMillan LLP in Montreal, to unpack three bills recently tabled in Parliament: Bill C-35, Bill C-34, and Bill C-36. The main focus is Bill C-35, a proposed forced labor enforcement measure that could significantly expand the Canada Border Services Agency’s powers and shift the burden of proof onto importers and owners of goods. The discussion compares Canada’s approach with the U.S. UFLPA framework and highlights why supply chain documentation, supplier certifications, tariff classification consistency, and rapid response readiness are becoming more important than ever. The episode also touches on Canada’s emerging digital safety and consumer data privacy proposals, including how data localization and cross-border data flow rules may create new trade tensions under USMCA. For companies trading into Canada, the message is clear: review the bills, prepare documentation, and be ready for a more enforcement-driven environment. Main Topic / Discussion This episode explores Canada’s proposed shift from forced labor reporting obligations toward stronger border enforcement. Bill C-35 would introduce a more presumptive approach to forced labor risk, potentially relying on lists of countries, regions, entities, or commodities linked to forced labor. If enacted, the bill could require importers and owners to prove that goods were not produced with forced labor. Warrington and Yannick also discuss the broader compliance environment, including Canada’s existing S-211 forced labor reporting obligations, the role of CBSA, potential appeal limitations under the proposed bill, and what U.S. and Mexican traders should expect when doing business with Canadian partners. The conversation closes with a look at Bills C-34 and C-36, especially the potential trade implications of consumer data protection, digital safety rules, data sovereignty, and cross-border data flows. Key Takeaways • Bill C-35 could shift the burden of proof from CBSA to importers and owners of goods. • Importers may need stronger supplier documentation, certificates, and proof of supply chain due diligence. • Canada may develop forced labor risk lists based on countries, regions, companies, or commodities. • Consistent tariff classification and customs declarations across borders will become increasingly important. • Proposed appeal limitations could make CBSA enforcement decisions harder to challenge. • Bills C-34 and C-36 may create indirect trade implications for companies operating online or handling consumer data in Canada. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters Credits Host: Warrington Ellacott – LinkedIn Guest(s): Yannick Trudel – LinkedIn Producer: Mara Marquez 📢 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? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

    21 min

  8. Jun 26

    [Cindy's Version] Be the CHANGE in Trade

    Host: Cindy Allen Published: June 26, 2026 Length: ~15 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary This week on Simply Trade: Cindy's Version, Cindy Allen explores a week filled with meaningful developments across customs and trade—from new CAPE enhancements and changes to informal mail entries to the latest updates on Section 301, USMCA negotiations, and global supply chain strategy. But the heart of this episode isn't about tariffs—it's about change. Using Taylor Swift's Change as inspiration, Cindy reflects on how trade professionals can adapt and remain influential during a time when government decision-making has become increasingly centralized. She shares insights from the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) Conference and explains why relationships, industry engagement, and a unified voice have never been more important. This Week in Trade Reconciliation entries become eligible for the CAPE filing process beginning June 29. CBP announced several CAPE validation improvements designed to reduce filing errors and retransmissions. CBP finalized changes to informal mail entry procedures following the end of de minimis treatment. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that pending Section 301 investigations may ultimately replace former IEEPA tariff collections. Lawmakers continue raising concerns over declining U.S. manufacturing employment. USMCA review discussions continue, with another one-year extension appearing increasingly likely. Main Topic / Discussion While several operational updates occurred this week, Cindy focuses on something much broader: how trade professionals can continue to influence policy during a period of significant governmental change. Drawing from conversations at the AAEI Conference and meetings on Capitol Hill, Cindy explains how the policymaking process has evolved. Traditionally, agencies worked closely with industry stakeholders before major trade decisions were implemented. Today, many decisions originate from a much smaller group within the administration, making it increasingly important for companies to strengthen relationships—not only with Congress, but also with agencies, trade associations, and government affairs professionals. Her message is simple: don't wait until a policy affects your business. Become involved now, build your network, and ensure your industry's voice is part of the conversation before decisions are made. Key Takeaways CAPE continues to become more efficient through ongoing CBP enhancements. Informal mail entry procedures continue evolving after the end of de minimis. Section 301 investigations remain a major focus of the administration's trade agenda. Supply chain resilience continues to shape U.S. trade policy. USMCA negotiations are expected to continue beyond the current review period. Trade professionals should actively participate in industry associations and government affairs efforts. Relationships remain one of the most valuable tools in navigating today's trade environment. Resources & Mentions Global Training Center Trade Force Multiplier Cindy Allen – LinkedIn Producer: Mara Marquez 📢 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: Global Training Center on LinkedIn Trade Geeks Community

    15 min
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4.7
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Global Training Center
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    523
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Simply Trade

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