Importing isn’t as simple as buying a product overseas and having it show up at your door.

In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles break down three of the most common (and costly) assumptions business owners make about importing—and how those mistakes can quietly erode margins, create compliance risk, and lead to serious problems with U.S. Customs.

If you’re importing—or thinking about it—this is a must-listen.

• Why your supplier is not responsible for your compliance
• How duty rates have shifted from predictable to volatile
• The real role of a customs broker (and what they don’t own)
• Why bad data = compliant filings… that are still wrong
• How small mistakes can turn into costly enforcement issues

Many importers assume their overseas supplier manages the process.

Reality:

• The supplier’s priority is getting paid
• You are the Importer of Record
• You are accountable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection

If documentation is wrong—valuation, country of origin, product description—you own the consequences.

“Your supplier may ship the goods—but you own the risk.”

What used to be a stable, forecastable cost is now a moving target.

• Tariffs and trade policies change rapidly
• Sourcing decisions directly impact duty exposure
• Long purchasing cycles increase risk

“Duty used to be a line item. Now it’s a variable you have to actively manage.”

Hiring a broker does not transfer liability.

• Brokers file based on the data you provide
• They facilitate compliance—but don’t own it
• Incorrect data = correctly filed… but still wrong

“Customs holds the importer accountable—not the broker.”

Even when no one is trying to cut corners:

• Miscommunication with suppliers
• Last-minute product changes
• Incorrect documentation

…can result in:

• Shipment delays
• Exams or holds
• Seizures
• Long-term compliance issues

All three mistakes come down to one thing:

👉 Misunderstanding responsibility

Importing is not passive.

The companies that succeed:

• Maintain internal oversight
• Understand classification and documentation
• Treat trade as a controlled process—not a transaction

• Business owners importing goods
• E-commerce sellers sourcing overseas
• Small to mid-size importers
• Anyone new to international trade

• National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA Conference)
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Hosts:

• Lalo Solorzano

• Andy Shiles

Guests:

• Anand Raghavendran – KYG Trade

• Gagan Bhasin – VAO

Produced by: Global Training Center

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Host: Cindy Allen Published: April 3, 2026 Length: ~15 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

In this week’s episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen breaks down a major shift in trade operations as CBP moves closer to launching the CAPE system for IEEPA duty refunds—while at the same time, new Section 232 actions signal that trade enforcement is far from slowing down.

CBP has indicated it is on track for an April 20 rollout of CAPE, with key components nearing completion. However, Phase 1 will only cover certain entries, leaving many importers navigating critical decisions around protests and timing.

At the same time, new developments in pharmaceutical tariffs and steel and aluminum revisions suggest that, despite recent legal challenges, trade enforcement is evolving—not retreating.

Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Begin Again, Cindy walks through why this moment feels less like closure—and more like the start of a new phase in global trade compliance.

• CBP signals April 20 target for CAPE rollout tied to IEEPA refunds • Phase 1 expected to cover ~63% of entries, excluding many already liquidated cases • Judge highlights importers’ right to file protests, raising strategic considerations • Strait of Hormuz disruptions continue to create supply chain uncertainty • No movement on key legislation including First Sale and Foreign Importer of Record rules

CBP continues to make progress toward launching CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries):

• Claim portal (~85% complete) • Mass processing of entries (~60% complete) • Review and liquidation (~80% complete) • Refund processing (~75% complete)

Phase 1 will: • Focus on unliquidated entries and those within voluntary reliquidation windows • Exclude fully liquidated entries, protests, drawback, and certain AD/CVD cases

⏱️ Timeline: • Target launch: ~April 20 • Estimated processing: up to 45 days post-launch

This week brought significant new developments under Section 232:

• 100% duty on name-brand pharmaceuticals • Generics excluded • Implementation expected within 180 days

Key complexity: • Importers must now identify brand vs. generic at entry • Multiple exemptions and reduced rates tied to reshoring and trade agreements

• 50% duty remains for core steel/aluminum products • 25% duty on derivative products (full value) • New de minimis exemption for products with <15% steel/aluminum by weight

These updates simplify some calculations—but may increase duty exposure for many importers.

• CAPE is progressing—but refunds will be phased and complex • Importers should evaluate protest strategies carefully • Trade enforcement is not slowing—it’s resetting and expanding • Section 232 is entering a new operational phase • Compliance will require more detailed product-level data than ever before

• Global Training Center • Cindy Allen – LinkedIn • Global Training Center

• Global Training Center on LinkedIn • YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Trade Geeks Community

Host: Warrington Ellacott Guest: David A. Johnston Published: April 1, 2026 Length: ~20 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

🌍 Adapting to Disruption in a Shifting Trade Landscape

In this episode of Simply Trade [Canada], Warrington Ellacott sits down with Dr. David A. Johnston to explore how geopolitical shifts, infrastructure investments, and evolving trade dynamics are reshaping supply chains.

From Canada’s renewed focus on nation-building infrastructure to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding USMCA negotiations, this conversation highlights the realities businesses face today—and the strategies they need to stay resilient. Dr. Johnston shares insights from his work at the Schulich School of Business, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, collaboration, and long-term planning in an increasingly volatile global trade environment.

🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🌐 How geopolitical risks and policy shifts are disrupting global supply chains 🏗️ What Canada’s major infrastructure investments mean for importers and exporters 🤝 Why communication with supply chain partners is critical during uncertainty 📦 How to think about transportation flexibility, including shifting modes like air, rail, and ocean 📊 Practical ways to manage short-term risk while planning for long-term change 🌎 Why diversification and global market expansion require new logistics strategies

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Strong communication with suppliers, carriers, and partners is essential during disruption.

• Infrastructure investments create long-term opportunities—but won’t solve short-term challenges.

• Flexibility in transportation modes can keep goods moving, even at higher costs.

• Businesses should balance immediate risk management with longer-term strategic repositioning.

• Trade relationships—especially between Canada and the U.S.—remain critical despite uncertainty.

• Disruption often creates opportunity, particularly in emerging sectors like infrastructure and defense.

📌 Resources & Mentions:

• George Weston Ltd Centre for Sustainable Supply Chains – Schulich School of Business

• Master of Supply Chain Management Program – York University

• Sloan Management Review (2022) – Preparing for Supply Chain Disruptions

• USMCA / CUSMA Trade Agreement

• CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership)

🎧 Credits

Host:

• Warrington Ellacott – https://www.linkedin.com/in/warringtonellacott/

Guest:

• David A. Johnston – https://www.schulich.yorku.ca/faculty-research/george-weston

Producer:

• Lalo Solorzano

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Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals. 👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com

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