Navigating the Customs Clearance Challenges of the E-Commerce Era

"CBP's limitations in staffing and facilities have resulted in a reimbursable program that is understaffed and unable to keep up with the volume of cargo." - Cindy Allen

The rise of direct-to-consumer e-commerce has upended traditional trade flows, leaving customs authorities struggling to adapt. In this episode, industry experts Cindy Allen and Andy dive deep into the history and challenges of de minimis regulations, the strain on customs resources, and the need for new solutions to modernize global trade.

Main Points/Takeaways: - Customs was not happy with the structure of direct-to-consumer sales, where big box retailers were still the importers but the sale was not listed until the goods arrived in the US. - Customs officers were overwhelmed by the volume of individual shipments, leading to backlogs and delays as they tried to manually process thousands of entries. - Collaboration between industry and government was key to streamlining the customs clearance process, such as the development of the Type 86 entry for express carriers. - Cindy Allen provides insights on how the evolution of e-commerce and customs regulations have impacted the logistics industry. - Andy shares his perspective on the need for customs to provide reimbursables and require private sector facilities to handle the surge in package-level freight.

Wrap-up: This conversation is essential listening for anyone invested in the future of international trade, importing, and exporting. Cindy and Andy offer an insider's perspective on the complex challenges facing customs authorities and logistics providers, and the innovative solutions needed to adapt to the e-commerce era.

Enjoy the show!

Sign up for the upcoming Forced Labor training (Supply Chain Tracing) here: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/forced-labor-supply-chain-tracing/

Host: Andy Shiles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/ Host/Producer: Lalo Solorzano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/ Co-Producer: Mara Marquez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-marquez-a00a111a8/

Show references:

• Global Training Center - www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com

• Simply Trade Podcast - twitter.com/SimplyTradePod

• Cindy Allen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-allen-a3188210/

• Trade Force Multiplier - https://tradeforcemultiplier.com/

Contact SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or message @SimplyTradePod for:

• Advertising and sponsoring on Simply Trade

• Requests to be on the show as guest

• Suggest any topics you would like to hear about

Simply Trade is not a law firm or an advisor. The topics and discussions conducted by Simply Trade hosts and guests should not be considered and is not intended to substitute legal advice. You should seek appropriate counsel for your own situation. These conversations and information are directed towards listeners in the United States for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be In substitute for legal advice. No listener or viewer of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal advice from counsel. Information on this podcast may not be up to date depending on the time of publishing and the time of viewership. The content of this posting is provided as is, no representations are made that the content is error free. The views expressed in or through this podcast are those are the individual speakers not those of their respective employers or Global Training Center as a whole. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed.

In this episode of the Simply Trade News, hosts Annik, Andy, and Lalo dive deep into the latest developments in the international trade landscape. From the ongoing challenges in the solar panel industry to the skyrocketing shipping rates and the tightening of Russian sanctions, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of the critical issues facing trade professionals.

Main Points/Takeaways:

1. US Solar Panel Manufacturers Seek Tighter "Made in USA" Rules: US solar panel manufacturers are pushing for stricter rules governing tax credits for solar projects using domestic components. The current loophole allows developers to meet the content threshold without using American-made solar panels, which raises concerns about the use of forced labor in China's solar industry.

2. Soaring Shipping Rates from China to the US: Container shipping rates from Shanghai to US destinations are reaching almost $10,000 per standard 40-foot container, with industry experts predicting a potential rise to $20,000 per container in the future. This trend is driving importers and industry experts to explore alternative sourcing options, such as near-shoring, to mitigate the impact on their supply chains.

3. Switzerland's Crackdown on Russian Sanctions Violations: Switzerland has launched investigations into over 50 potential sanctions violations related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with 15 penalties imposed so far. This development highlights the increasing global efforts to enforce sanctions and the importance for trade professionals to stay up-to-date on compliance requirements.

This episode of the Simply Trade podcast provides valuable insights for trade professionals navigating the complex and ever-changing global trade landscape. By staying informed on the latest developments, such as the solar panel industry's push for tighter "Made in USA" rules, the skyrocketing shipping rates, and the global crackdown on sanctions violations, trade professionals can better position their businesses for success in the face of these challenges.

Enjoy the show! Sign up for the upcoming Forced Labor training (Supply Chain Tracing) here: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/forced-labor-supply-chain-tracing/

Find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod

Host: Annik Sobing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annik-sobing-mba-b226251a2/ Host: Andy Shiles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/

Host/Producer: Lalo Solorzano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/

Co-Producer: Mara Marquez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-marquez-a00a111a8/

Contact SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or message @SimplyTradePod for:

• Advertising and sponsoring on Simply Trade

• Requests to be on the show as guest

• Suggest any topics you would like to hear about

Simply Trade is not a law firm or an advisor. The topics and discussions conducted by Simply Trade hosts and guests should not be considered and is not intended to substitute legal advice. You should seek appropriate counsel for your own situation. These conversations and information are directed towards listeners in the United States for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be In substitute for legal advice. No listener or viewer of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal advice from counsel. Information on this podcast may not be up to date depending on the time of publishing and the time of viewership. The content of this posting is provided as is, no representations are made that the content is error free. The views expressed in or through this podcast are those are the individual speakers not those of their respective employers or Global Training Center as a whole. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed.

From Forced Labor to Forced Transparency: How AI is Revolutionizing Supply Chain Management.

Ever feel like you're playing detective with your supply chain? Get ready for a mind-blowing chat about a tool that's changing the game! Context: In this episode, we dive into the future of global trade with Supply Trace - an innovative, open-access platform that's using AI to revolutionize supply chain transparency. Whether you're an international trade pro or just getting started, this conversation is packed with insights that can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Main Topics:

• Democratizing access to supply chain data: "We're trying to democratize access to supply chain data. That's simply all it is, and it hasn't been done before." - Shawn Bhimani, Northeastern University

• Simplifying supply chain mapping: "Supply chain mapping can be done in a few clicks. It just takes a lot of computing power, but they can look at their entire supply chain in one glance and see the risk by region."

• Navigating forced labor risks: Supply Trace provides a "traffic light" system to quickly identify high-risk regions and suppliers, helping businesses stay compliant with regulations like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

• Empowering businesses of all sizes: "This is for the majority of people who have just been locked out... a lot of trade people can get to their systems."

Don't miss this episode if you want to turn supply chain mapping from a headache into a competitive advantage. With Supply Trace's free, user-friendly platform, you can unlock the power of AI-driven supply chain transparency and stay ahead of the curve in international trade.

Enjoy the show!

Sign up for the upcoming Forced Labor training (Supply Chain Tracing) here: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/forced-labor-supply-chain-tracing/

Host: Andy Shiles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/ Host/Producer: Lalo Solorzano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/ Co-Producer: Mara Marquez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-marquez-a00a111a8/

Show references:

• Shawn Bhimani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnbhimani/
• Cindy DeLeon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindydeleon/
• Global Training Center - www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
• Simply Trade Podcast - twitter.com/SimplyTradePod

Find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod

Contact SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or message @SimplyTradePod for:

• Advertising and sponsoring on Simply Trade

• Requests to be on the show as guest

• Suggest any topics you would like to hear about

Simply Trade is not a law firm or an advisor. The topics and discussions conducted by Simply Trade hosts and guests should not be considered and is not intended to substitute legal advice. You should seek appropriate counsel for your own situation. These conversations and information are directed towards listeners in the United States for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be In substitute for legal advice. No listener or viewer of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal advice from counsel. Information on this podcast may not be up to date depending on the time of publishing and the time of viewership. The content of this posting is provided as is, no representations are made that the content is error free. The views expressed in or through this podcast are those are the individual speakers not those of their respective employers or Global Training Center as a whole. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed.

In this episode of The Simply Trade News Roundup, we dive into the latest developments shaking up international trade, importing, and exporting.

DHS targets forced labor in aluminum, PVC, and seafood industries - what does this mean for your supply chain?

Join us as we explore the far-reaching implications of recent forced labor enforcement actions, banking challenges in the Pacific, and the ripple effects of US sanctions on global trade dynamics.

Main Points/Takeaways:

1. Forced Labor Enforcement Expands: - DHS adds aluminum, PVC, and seafood to high-priority sectors for UFLPA enforcement - Increased scrutiny on supply chains, particularly those involving China - New Global Training Center course on supply chain tracing for forced labor compliance

2. Pacific Banking Challenges: - US and Australia pledge to enhance financial connectivity in Pacific island nations - Western banks' de-risking efforts impact correspondent banking relationships - Potential opening for Chinese financial influence in the region

3. Sanctions Impact China-Russia Trade: - US sanctions cause payment delays for Chinese car imports to Russia - Effectiveness of sanctions demonstrated, but potential workarounds emerging - BRICS initiative and bartering methods may challenge US dollar dominance

This episode provides crucial insights for importers, exporters, and trade professionals navigating the complex landscape of forced labor compliance, international banking relationships, and evolving global trade dynamics. Stay informed to protect your supply chain and adapt to changing regulations.

Enjoy the show! Sign up for the upcoming Forced Labor training (Supply Chain Tracing) here: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/forced-labor-supply-chain-tracing/

Find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod

Host: Annik Sobing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annik-sobing-mba-b226251a2/ Host: Andy Shiles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/

Host/Producer: Lalo Solorzano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/

Co-Producer: Mara Marquez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-marquez-a00a111a8/

Contact SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or message @SimplyTradePod for:

• Advertising and sponsoring on Simply Trade

• Requests to be on the show as guest

• Suggest any topics you would like to hear about

Simply Trade is not a law firm or an advisor. The topics and discussions conducted by Simply Trade hosts and guests should not be considered and is not intended to substitute legal advice. You should seek appropriate counsel for your own situation. These conversations and information are directed towards listeners in the United States for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be In substitute for legal advice. No listener or viewer of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal advice from counsel. Information on this podcast may not be up to date depending on the time of publishing and the time of viewership. The content of this posting is provided as is, no representations are made that the content is error free. The views expressed in or through this podcast are those are the individual speakers not those of their respective employers or Global Training Center as a whole. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed.

Is your company "sexy" to customs auditors? Discover what puts you on their radar and how to prepare.

In this episode, trade compliance expert Cindy De Leon shares insider knowledge on customs audits, compliance risks, and essential preparation strategies for importers. Learn what factors make your business an attractive audit target and the steps you need to take to protect yourself. Main Points/Takeaways:

1. Audit attractors: Free trade agreement claims, first sale programs, tariff changes, and anti-dumping duties

2. The critical importance of vetting suppliers and tracking component origins

3. Why nearshoring doesn't eliminate compliance risks

4. How to prepare for a customs audit through internal reviews and cross-functional teams

5. Common valuation errors that trigger red flags (CRAPP: commissions, royalties, assists, packing, proceeds)

6. Limitations of internal auditors for trade compliance assessments

Key Insights:

• "Find out what makes you sexy to customs, because is it a free trade agreement? Is it a first sale program?" - Cindy De Leon

• "How much undeclared crap would customs find in conducting an audit of your evaluation?" - Cindy on overlooked dutiable elements

• "Your procedures need to have teeth, okay? And not the kind that are removable." - Cindy on creating effective compliance procedures

This episode provides invaluable insights for trade compliance professionals and executives to assess their audit risks and strengthen procedures. Armed with Cindy's expert advice, companies can better avoid costly penalties and disruptions from customs enforcement actions, ensuring smoother international trade operations.

Enjoy the show!

Sign up for the upcoming Forced Labor training (Supply Chain Tracing) here: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/forced-labor-supply-chain-tracing/

Host: Andy Shiles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/ Host/Producer: Lalo Solorzano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/ Co-Producer: Mara Marquez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-marquez-a00a111a8/

Show references:

• Cindy DeLeon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindydeleon/
• DeLeon Trade: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deleon-trade-llc/
• Global Training Center - www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
• Simply Trade Podcast - twitter.com/SimplyTradePod

Find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod

Contact SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or message @SimplyTradePod for:

• Advertising and sponsoring on Simply Trade

• Requests to be on the show as guest

• Suggest any topics you would like to hear about

Simply Trade is not a law firm or an advisor. The topics and discussions conducted by Simply Trade hosts and guests should not be considered and is not intended to substitute legal advice. You should seek appropriate counsel for your own situation. These conversations and information are directed towards listeners in the United States for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be In substitute for legal advice. No listener or viewer of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal advice from counsel. Information on this podcast may not be up to date depending on the time of publishing and the time of viewership. The content of this posting is provided as is, no representations are made that the content is error free. The views expressed in or through this podcast are those are the individual speakers not those of their respective employers or Global Training Center as a whole. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed.

Discover how Mexico's first female president could reshape North American trade and foreign investment.

Join us for an insightful discussion with Mexican attorney Brenda Cordova on the implications of Mexico's newly elected president, Claudia Sheinbaum, for international trade and foreign investment. We explore the current state of Mexico's economy, the USMCA treaty, and the future of nearshoring.

Main Points/Takeaways:

1. Mexico's Economic Position: - 12th largest economy globally - Foreign Direct Investment represents 24% of GDP - Received over $36 billion in FDI in 2023

2. USMCA and Trade Relations: - US is Mexico's largest trading partner ($13 billion in FDI) - Sheinbaum plans to review, not renegotiate, USMCA - Focus on promoting regional sourcing of raw materials

3. Nearshoring Trends: - Growing popularity due to global supply chain disruptions - IMMEX program benefits for foreign investors - Challenges in finding local suppliers that meet quality and price requirements

4. Sheinbaum's Economic Strategy: - Goal to increase FDI with a "shared prosperity" approach - Focus on sustainability, digitalization, and legal certainty - Plans to strengthen tax and customs authorities through technology

Key Quote: "Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed that under the USMCA, she wants to promote that producers receive or procure their raw materials in the region and in Mexico."

Gain crucial insights into the potential shifts in Mexico's trade policies and investment landscape under its new leadership, essential knowledge for businesses engaged in or considering international trade with North America.

Enjoy the show! Brenda Cordova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-cordova-30020047/

Sign up for the upcoming Forced Labor training (Supply Chain Tracing) here: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/forced-labor-supply-chain-tracing/

Find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod

Host: Annik Sobing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annik-sobing-mba-b226251a2/ Host: Andy Shiles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/

Host/Producer: Lalo Solorzano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/

Co-Producer: Mara Marquez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-marquez-a00a111a8/

Contact SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or message @SimplyTradePod for:

• Advertising and sponsoring on Simply Trade

• Requests to be on the show as guest

• Suggest any topics you would like to hear about

Simply Trade is not a law firm or an advisor. The topics and discussions conducted by Simply Trade hosts and guests should not be considered and is not intended to substitute legal advice. You should seek appropriate counsel for your own situation. These conversations and information are directed towards listeners in the United States for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be In substitute for legal advice. No listener or viewer of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal advice from counsel. Information on this podcast may not be up to date depending on the time of publishing and the time of viewership. The content of this posting is provided as is, no representations are made that the content is error free. The views expressed in or through this podcast are those are the individual speakers not those of their respective employers or Global Training Center as a whole. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed.

In this episode of Simply Trade, we dive deep into the world of duty drawback with industry expert Tony Nogueras. As China tariffs continue to impact global trade, understanding advanced drawback strategies has never been more crucial for importers and exporters.

Main Points/Takeaways:

1. Recent changes in China tariffs and their impact on international trade 2. The modernized drawback regulatory structure and its game-changing effects 3. HTS-level substitution and its advantages for various industries 4. Strategies for maximizing duty drawback recovery, including value matching 5. The interplay between Foreign Trade Zones and duty drawback programs 6. Potential legislative changes that could further benefit drawback claimants

Key Insights:

- "Anytime you make an importation, it's like making a deposit into your drawback bank account." - Tony Nogueras - Companies are altering supply chains and business models to maximize drawback recovery - The alcohol industry has emerged as a major winner in recent drawback regulation changes - Proper value matching is crucial to avoid leaving money on the table in drawback claims - Even companies with existing drawback programs may benefit from reassessment

This episode provides invaluable insights for importers and exporters looking to optimize their international trade operations. By mastering duty drawback strategies, companies can potentially recover millions in duties and taxes, significantly impacting their bottom line in today's challenging trade environment.

Enjoy the show!

Sign up for the upcoming Forced Labor training (Supply Chain Tracing) here: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/forced-labor-supply-chain-tracing/

Host: Andy Shiles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/ Host/Producer: Lalo Solorzano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/ Co-Producer: Mara Marquez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-marquez-a00a111a8/

Show references:

• Tony Nogueras: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-nogueras-2715985/
• Alliance: https://alliancechb.com/duty-drawback/
• Global Training Center - www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
• Simply Trade Podcast - twitter.com/SimplyTradePod

Find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyTradePod

Contact SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or message @SimplyTradePod for:

• Advertising and sponsoring on Simply Trade

• Requests to be on the show as guest

• Suggest any topics you would like to hear about

Simply Trade is not a law firm or an advisor. The topics and discussions conducted by Simply Trade hosts and guests should not be considered and is not intended to substitute legal advice. You should seek appropriate counsel for your own situation. These conversations and information are directed towards listeners in the United States for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be In substitute for legal advice. No listener or viewer of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal advice from counsel. Information on this podcast may not be up to date depending on the time of publishing and the time of viewership. The content of this posting is provided as is, no representations are made that the content is error free. The views expressed in or through this podcast are those are the individual speakers not those of their respective employers or Global Training Center as a whole. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed.