Host: Cindy Allen Published: November 21, 2025 Length: ~12 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

This week on Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen unpacks a dramatic shift in global trade policy—one that touches everything from tariff reductions to new exemptions and unexpected reversals. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Everything Has Changed, Cindy explains how seemingly overnight, the trade landscape has transformed in ways that directly impact importers, customs brokers, and compliance professionals.

From significant tariff rollbacks for China and Europe to new carve-outs for select products, Cindy walks through the week’s biggest developments and breaks down what’s real, what’s promised, and what’s still uncertain. In a moment where policies shift faster than supply chains can adapt, this episode brings clarity to the change—and perspective to the pace of it all.

• The administration announces a 10% reduction in tariffs on Chinese goods, including items previously subject to Section 301 duties • European-origin goods also receive reductions, with guidance forthcoming • CBP releases clarification on how these reductions apply operationally • Importers await confirmation on whether refunds will be automatic or require PSCs or protests • Supply chains begin recalibrating landed cost models and forecasting impacts

• China signals cooperation by easing rare earth export controls and increasing U.S. agricultural imports • The EU indicates interest in parallel reductions if the U.S. maintains consistency • Treasury and USTR state reductions are prospective, while refund policy remains under review • Early reduction categories include selected machinery, metals, and electronics • CBP urges importers to verify HTS classifications to ensure correct duty application

Cindy highlights how quickly and massively the trade environment has shifted in just a few days. Overnight tariff reductions require importers to revisit landed costs, adjust contracts, notify customers, and reevaluate sourcing strategies. Customs brokers must reconfigure systems, classification profiles, and compliance workflows while fielding urgent questions from clients looking for immediate clarity. And with refund policy still unknown, teams must prepare for multiple scenarios, even as new developments continue to unfold. The cumulative effect: everything truly feels like it changed all at once.

• Tariff reductions could significantly cut duties for many importers • Refund guidance is still pending and may not be automatic • Accurate HTS classification is essential to capture reduced rates • China’s concessions may signal a possible easing of tensions • The speed of regulatory change is accelerating across all fronts

• Global Training Center • TradeForce Multiplier

Host: • Cindy Allen – LinkedIn • Trade Force Multiplier

Producer: • Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

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Episode: #394 Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano Guest: Eric Hargraves Director – Elliott Davis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-hargraves-98a4572/ Firm: Elliott Davis — https://www.linkedin.com/company/elliott-davis-1920/ Published : November 20, 2025 Length: ~34 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

In this in-depth roundtable discussion, Andy and Lalo welcome back Eric Hargraves, a listener favorite and trade policy expert known for breaking down complex issues with clarity. This episode tackles one of the hottest topics in global trade: the future of tariffs, IEEPA, and how the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision could reshape U.S. trade policy.

Eric shares his early analysis of the recent Supreme Court oral arguments on the use of IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) to impose broad, country-wide tariffs—an approach now under scrutiny. Together, they explore whether the U.S. is shifting away from country-of-origin-based tariffs toward sector-based or product-based tariff frameworks, and what that means for importers, exporters, and manufacturers.

They also take a historical walk through Section 232 and 301, discuss China’s role in the global supply chain, unpack forced labor concerns, and examine how trade policy is being used not just as an economic tool—but a geopolitical one.

If your business relies on global sourcing, supply chain planning, cost modeling, or tariff strategy, this is a must-listen episode that cuts through political noise and focuses on operational reality.

• Why the Court is skeptical about using IEEPA for broad tariff actions

• Clarifying the difference between regulating importation and imposing de facto taxes

• What a ruling against IEEPA tariffs could trigger

Eric outlines an emerging pattern:

• More Section 232 investigations (steel, aluminum, copper, lumber, autos, medical devices, robotics)

• More code-specific exclusions and carve-outs

• More targeted vs. country-wide tariff strategies This gives trade professionals more predictability—and new compliance challenges.

The group revisits:

• Post-WWII tariff negotiations and asymmetrical concessions

• How China’s WTO accession reshaped global manufacturing

• Forced labor issues (UFLPA) and global ethical responsibilities

• Why bipartisan support exists for confronting unfair trade practices

Why 232 tariffs matter for:

• Defense industrial base

• Pharmaceuticals

• Critical minerals

• Rare earths

• Robotics and advanced manufacturing

Andy and Eric also highlight how trade agreements with partners like Australia and Japan support de-risking supply chains.

Eric provides three practical action steps:

1. Map exposure & opportunities

   • Understand current tariffs vs. new exemptions/exclusions

   • Identify where sectoral shifts may affect your sourcing

2. Prepare for legacy frameworks to shift

   • USMCA review in 2026

   • New carve-outs in CAFTA-DR and other bilateral frameworks

3. Don’t pivot your supply chain based on rumors

   • Only respond to published Federal Register notices + CBP guidance

   • Model landed cost scenarios now to act quickly later

He also warns companies to anticipate supplier renegotiations if tariff burdens disappear—they may try to claw back FOB discounts.

• Section 301 tariffs

• Section 232 investigations

• UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act)

• WTO, GATT, and historical tariff frameworks

• U.S. bilateral trade agreements and exemptions

• Federal Register notices

• CBP CSMS guidance