[Cindy's Version] Right Where You Left Me

Host: Cindy Allen Published: January 2, 2026 Length: ~15 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary The first Cindy’s Version episode of 2026 kicks off with reflection, perspective, and a clear-eyed look at how fundamentally global trade has changed. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Right Where You Left Me, Cindy Allen explains why many trade professionals feel stuck between old rules and a completely new enforcement reality. While the holidays brought a brief pause in activity, the underlying shifts from 2025 are still very much in motion. From tariff threats that didn’t materialize, to delayed Section 232 actions, to long-awaited automation updates from CBP, Cindy walks through what changed—and what didn’t—over the past two weeks. More importantly, she explains why 2025 will be remembered as a pivotal year in trade history, on par with other transformational moments like containerization, air cargo, and automated clearance. This Week in Trade • Proposed 92% antidumping duties on Italian pasta were ultimately set far lower, avoiding combined duty rates exceeding 100% • Section 232 cases on upholstered furniture and kitchen cabinets were delayed for one year • Importers planning remodels may benefit from acting within the next year • The trade community continues to wait on Supreme Court decisions related to IEEPA reciprocal and fentanyl cases • Attention now shifts to when the Court returns to session CBP & Regulatory Updates • CBP announced all duty refunds will be issued electronically beginning in February • Electronic refunds become mandatory in March • CBP clarified procedures for refunds owed to brokers or third parties using Form 4811 • Industry hopes this signals a move toward fully electronic payments, including: • Protests • Post-Summary Corrections • Other remittance processes COAC Updates • COAC will meet virtually on January 14 • Previous subcommittees and workgroups were dissolved last year • Industry is watching closely for: • A new COAC structure • New workgroups or subcommittees • Applications for new COAC members closed in December • Several current members are rolling off after reaching term limits • Appointments are expected later in the year, not at the January meeting Why “Right Where You Left Me” Fits This Moment Cindy explains that while trade professionals earned every bit of their experience in 2025, the rules of engagement have changed. Enforcement is heavier, actions are more industry-specific, and governments are using every tool available—sometimes in new and unexpected ways. Formal announcements are often replaced by rumors, social media posts, or informal signals, forcing the industry to operate in a constant state of readiness. At the same time, the government expects the trade community to adapt just as aggressively—leveraging automation, data, and new technologies to meet rising compliance expectations. What was once a rigid, compartmentalized system has become layered and complex, operating simultaneously at the country, industry, company, and even product level. The challenge now is not getting stuck in the way trade “used to be,” but learning how to move forward in a system that no longer looks the same. Key Takeaways • 2025 marked a fundamental shift in how trade policy is applied and enforced • Tariffs and trade remedies are increasingly industry-, company-, and product-specific • Automation and data will play a critical role in future compliance • Informal signals now often precede formal policy announcements • Trade professionals must evolve—or risk being left behind RESOURCES & MENTIONS • Global Training Center • TradeForce Multiplier Credits Host: • Cindy Allen – LinkedIn • Trade Force Multiplier Producer: • Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday. This episode sponsored by Pax Presented by Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and 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, and share with your fellow trade geeks!