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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] Long Live Trade & Friends
    Feb 6 2026
    Host: Cindy AllenGuests: Heather Litman & Sandra Langford-Coty Show: Simply Trade – Cindy’s Version Published: February 6, 2026 Length: ~13 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Long Live: Celebrating Trade Wins with Your Industry Crew Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, delivers this week’s rapid-fire trade update through the lens of Taylor Swift’s “Long Live”—a song about shared victories and the bonds that make them possible. From congressional pushback on exclusions to critical minerals zones and a surprising U.S.-China thaw, Cindy breaks down what happened and what’s next.​ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Express Carrier Bill faces pushback Peter Navarro publicly opposes the bill for simplified clearance parity with USPS, calling de minimis a zombie issue that “won’t die.”​ Congress demands exclusion transparency Senator Wyden’s letter calls the Section 232 exclusion process secretive and confusing—good news that Congress may step in for importers/exporters.​ USMCA hearing next week Senate Finance Committee will hear from pro-trade voices and domestic industry reps—watch for outcomes that could impact the agreement.​ EU moves fast on U.S. trade deal EU Parliament takes up negotiations internally to beat deadlines and avoid tariff retaliation seen with other countries.​ HTS updates published International Trade Commission released food/pharma changes effective February 1—check if you’re impacted via the International Trade Administration.​ Critical minerals preferential zone Administration (led by VP JD Vance) exploring enforceable price floors at every production stage—no details yet.​ India IEPA tariff reductions pending Rumored drop from 50% total to 18%, but no Federal Register notice or CSMS message yet—stay tuned for implementation guidance.​ U.S.-China relations thaw? Administration calls recent talks “extremely good,” signaling stability for China importers after a year of mixed signals.​ Why “Long Live”? Cindy ties the week’s developments to “Long Live,” focusing on celebrating successes with friends—especially critical now when industry networks help navigate chaos. Conferences and associations aren’t just for learning; they’re where you build the relationships that get you through volatile times.​ Key Takeaways: Momentum is building for more congressional oversight on exclusion processes—positive for transparency.​ Check HTS food/pharma updates immediately if affected; they’re already live.​ Critical minerals zone and India tariff details will drop soon—track Federal Register and CSMS closely.​ U.S.-China tone shift could mean stability, but verify with primary sources before adjusting strategy.​ Build your trade network now—when rules change monthly, friends in the industry are your real compliance superpower.​ Presented by: Global Training Center​ Listen & Subscribe Simply Trade main page: https://simplytrade.podbean.com​ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690​ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq​ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8de7d7fa-38e0-41b2-bad3-b8a3c5dc4cda/simply-trade​ Connect with Simply Trade Podcast page: https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/simply-trade-podcast​ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/simply-trade-podcast​ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod​ Join the Trade Geeks Community Trade Geeks (by Global Training Center): https://globaltrainingcenter.com/trade-geeks/
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    14 mins
  • [TIPS] Automation, Accuracy & the Future of Import/Export Filing
    Feb 3 2026
    Hosts

    Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks

    Episode Summary

    In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee and Julie dive deeper into the intersection of trade and technology, focusing on how automation is reshaping import and export filing. From data ingestion and rules-based validation to AI-powered audit trails and workflow automation, they unpack where technology adds value—and where human judgment is still essential.

    This conversation makes one thing clear: automation isn’t about replacing trade professionals—it’s about eliminating rework, improving accuracy, and exposing bad data faster. Renee and Julie also explore how governments are leveraging AI and machine learning at scale, raising the stakes for importers and exporters to modernize their compliance processes.

    Key Topics Covered
    • Why most filing errors come from disconnected systems, not bad intent

    • Where automation shows up in customs declarations:

      • Data ingestion from ERP, supplier, and logistics systems

      • Rules-based validation (HS, origin, value checks)

      • AI-driven document digitization and data extraction

    • Different automation models in trade:

      • Customs filing platforms

      • Global Trade Management (GTM) systems

      • Broker-provided technology and hybrid outsource models

    • APIs vs. EDI and the evolution of data exchange

    • The role of AI and machine learning in:

      • Pattern recognition

      • Risk detection

      • Audit readiness and version control

    • How governments are using advanced technology to:

      • Screen transactions in real time

      • Apply compliance more consistently across ports

    • Why automation accelerates good decisions—but exposes bad master data even faster

    Key Takeaways
    • Automation improves consistency and speed, but does not replace regulatory judgment

    • Clean master data remains critical—technology can’t fix broken inputs

    • Leveraging broker technology can be a smart option for companies with limited budgets

    • Importers and exporters must modernize to keep pace with government enforcement tools

    • AI should be viewed as a strategic ally, not a threat, in trade compliance

    This Week’s FIO (Figure It Out)

    Pick one area of your trade process—classification, filing, auditing, FTAs, or document management—and kick the tires on automation.

    • Request a demo

    • Explore how AI could reduce rework

    • Evaluate whether broker, GTM, or hybrid models make sense for your organization

    The goal isn’t perfection—it’s understanding what’s possible.

    Join the Conversation

    Head over to the Trade Geeks Community and tell us:

    • What area of automation are you exploring?

    • What surprised you most about today’s discussion?

    Credits

    Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli Julie Parks

    Producer: Lalo Solorzano

    Subscribe & Follow

    New Simply Trade Tips episodes drop 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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    21 mins
  • ICPA Compliance Corazón: New Board Members, Careers, and a Fiesta of Global Trade
    Feb 2 2026
    Host: Annik Sobing Guests: Elisabeth Sherrell, Alicia Bryant, Kelsey Moraski Published: February 2026 Length: ~30 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Partnership with ICPA ICPA Compliance Corazón: Community, Careers, and a Fiesta of Global Trade In this special Simply Trade Roundup, Annik sits down with ICPA’s new executive director, Elisabeth Sherrell, and board members Alicia Bryant and Kelsey Moraski to talk about what makes ICPA such a unique home for trade compliance professionals—and what to expect at the 2026 ICPA Annual Conference, “Compliance Corazón: Fiesta of Global Trade,” in San Antonio. From career-defining connections to real-world problem solving over breakfast, this episode shines a light on the people, purpose, and heart behind ICPA.​ What You’ll Learn in This Episode Who’s who at ICPA now Meet new executive director Elisabeth Sherrell and board members Alicia Bryant (Edgewell Personal Care) and Kelsey Moraski (global trade, supply chain, and risk). Why each of them joined the ICPA board and how they see the mission evolving.​ Why ICPA matters for your career How attending ICPA conferences helped Alicia earn her customs broker license and expand her role into broker auditing, FTAs, and classification. Why Kelsey calls ICPA one of the few places where people truly understand the real risk and gray areas compliance professionals live in every day.​ Inside the 2026 ICPA Annual Conference – San Antonio Dates: March 1–4, 2026 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio on the River Walk. Theme: “Compliance Corazón – Fiesta of Global Trade” with a strong focus on community, culture, and practical problem solving. Content highlights: deep dives on Canada (including CARM and current China‑related developments), regional customs updates (e.g., Latin America sessions led by experts like Brenda Cordova), technology and AI in trade compliance, and navigating today’s “most exciting and challenging” era for trade.​ Registration is still open, but the hotel is smaller and spots are filling fast, with many attendees registering in the last 45 days. Virtual attendance remains an option for those who cannot travel.​ Culture, community, and the “Voices of Compliance” How ICPA grew from an idea shared by Elisabeth’s mom and co‑founder Linda into a global community where people show up for each other—professionally and personally. Plans to honor Elisabeth’s mother in San Antonio with a memorial moment and a new Voices of Compliance performance: a rewritten “Deep in the Heart of Texas” celebrating tariffs and trade (yes, with audience clapping).​ Stories of members supporting each other through life events and why “compliance with heart” isn’t just a tagline.​ Problem solving in person Why the real magic of ICPA happens in the hallways and at breakfast tables: people bring real problems, not just citations, and work through them together. Kelsey’s Alex Honnold analogy: compliance pros as the climbers who truly understand the risk, and ICPA as the rare room where everyone “speaks the same language.”​ Building the next generation of trade professionals How ICPA is actively bringing students and early‑career professionals into the fold, including full conference scholarships (like for student Jake Boggs, who left with multiple job offers). Elisabeth’s 20‑year vision: seeing “trade compliance professional” standing alongside firefighter and nurse on career day—and why she wants to introduce more young people to this path.​ Hot topics Alicia and Kelsey are watching at ICPA Technology and AI: why you can’t just “slap tech” on broken processes—garbage in, garbage out—and how companies are really rolling out tools in compliance. Volatility and gray areas: how different companies are interpreting risk, handling USMCA changes, and navigating fast‑moving geopolitical shifts, especially in Canada and beyond.​ ICPA Conference Details 2026 ICPA Annual Conference – Compliance Corazón: Fiesta of Global Trade Dates: March 1–4, 2026 Location: Grand Hyatt San Antonio, River Walk Format: In‑person with virtual option Focus: Practical sessions, regional experts, technology, risk, and a strong emphasis on networking, mentorship, and community.​ ICPA Europe Conference Location: Dresden Germany, April 8-10, Hilton ​ Credits Host: Annik Sobing Guests: Elisabeth Sherrell, Alicia Bryant, Kelsey Moraski Producer: Lalo Solorzano Subscribe & Follow New Roundup episodes every week. Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals. 👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com Connect with us: Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn | Global Training Center on LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Trade Geeks Community Questions about ICPA or the conference? Reach out to ICPA leadership or message us and we’...
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    31 mins
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