U.S. Trade Trends, Tariffs, and the Shifting Global Supply Chain with Ken Roberts

Host: Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles Guest(s): Ken Roberts Published: May 14, 2026 Length: 58:39 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome back trade data expert Ken Roberts of WorldCity for a timely look at the numbers shaping U.S. imports, exports, and global trade strategy. With trade policy, tariffs, supply chain shifts, AI demand, and geopolitical uncertainty all moving at once, Ken helps break down what the latest data is really showing. The conversation covers major changes in U.S. trade flows, including shifts involving China, Mexico, Taiwan, Vietnam, Switzerland, Ireland, and Canada. Ken explains why certain categories, like gold, computers, AI-related hardware, pharmaceuticals, oil, beef, and vehicles, are seeing dramatic swings. He also highlights how front-loading ahead of tariffs, changing sourcing strategies, and evolving global demand are showing up in the numbers. This episode matters because trade data is more than statistics. It is a window into where companies are sourcing, where markets are moving, and how business leaders should think about risk, opportunity, and long-term strategy in a changing global economy. Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses on current U.S. trade trends and what recent import and export data reveals about the changing global economy. Ken Roberts explains how trade volumes, deficits, product categories, and partner-country rankings are shifting in response to tariffs, AI infrastructure demand, energy markets, pharmaceutical movements, and geopolitical uncertainty. A major theme is the continued reshaping of supply chains away from traditional patterns. China remains a major trade partner, but Ken points to significant declines in certain China-related trade flows, while countries like Mexico, Vietnam, and Taiwan are gaining importance. Taiwan’s growth is tied heavily to computer hardware and AI-related infrastructure, while Mexico continues to play a major role in cross-border trade and manufacturing. The conversation also explores the difference between merchandise trade and services trade, why trade deficits matter, and how U.S. ports, airports, and border crossings are affected by changes in commodity flows. Ken also shares thoughts on the future of USMCA, export market opportunities, and why trade professionals should pay close attention to the data before making assumptions. Key Takeaways • U.S. trade patterns are shifting quickly as tariffs, AI demand, and geopolitical pressures reshape global supply chains. • Mexico remains a critical U.S. trade partner, while Taiwan and Vietnam are gaining importance in specific import categories. • AI infrastructure demand is driving major increases in computer hardware and related imports from Taiwan. • Gold, pharmaceuticals, oil, beef, vehicles, and computer equipment are all showing notable movement in the latest trade data. • China’s role in U.S. trade is changing, with some product categories moving to other countries and new questions emerging around rules of origin. • USMCA remains an important area to watch as companies evaluate sourcing, manufacturing, and North American trade strategy. • Trade data can help businesses identify risks, spot market opportunities, and make more informed decisions about sourcing and exports. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • WorldCity / U.S. Trade Numbers Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn Andy Shiles – LinkedIn Guest(s): Ken Roberts – LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]