Episode 7 - July 2026
Three Tariffs. Three Laws. One Crazy Week.
This week alone brought new 50% Section 338 tariffs on Canada, a Section 301 tariff on Brazil, and a fresh Section 301 forced-labor framework replacing the expired Section 122 global surcharge. Three announcements, three legal authorities, three different compliance playbooks. Emil and Tom break down what's actually in effect now versus what's still a 30-day negotiating window, why HTS classification and solid documentation matter more than ever, how in-transit provisions could save shipments already on the water, and why AI-powered customs enforcement is ramping up fast.
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Episode 6 - June 2026
Before Kickoff: The Global Trade Behind the FIFA World Cup
You will never watch a World Cup game the same way again. Behind every match at the 2026 tournament (48 national teams, 16 host cities, three countries) sits one of the most complex logistics and customs operations on the planet, and almost none of it is visible from the stands or the couch. Emil and Tom talk with Amanda Barlow, VP of Risk Management and Business Affairs at The Rock-It Company (FIFA's official logistics partner), and Kelli Milianti, ATA Carnet Service Manager at Roanoke Trade, about what it really takes to move the balls, uniforms, broadcast equipment, and even the yellow and red cards across borders, legally and exactly on time.
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Episode 5 - May 2026
The Refund Trap: Recovery, Risk, and the New Reality of Trade Compliance
In Episode 5 of The Trade and Tech Podcast, we dig into one of the most urgent questions facing importers right now: when does a duty refund turn into a compliance trap? Emil and Tom are joined by Rennie Alston, CEO of the Alston Group and American River Group, and Michael Roll, Partner at Roll & Harris LLP. Together, they unpack how CAPE and automated liquidation are changing CBP’s visibility into importer data, why refund claims often surface unrelated compliance issues, and what compliance teams should be telling leadership before rushing to file.
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Episode 4 - April 2026
Rebuilding Global Trade: Risk, Regulation, and the Future of Trade Tech
Emil and Tom sit down with Caspian CEO Justin Sherlock to unpack how AI is changing customs compliance, duty refunds, and supply chain visibility—and why human judgment still matters. We also explore the evolving role of customs brokers, the drag of legacy systems, and how leaders can balance innovation with rising regulatory scrutiny. Essential listening for trade executives, compliance teams, and trade tech founders navigating what comes next.
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Episode 3 - February 2026
A Ruling with Ripple Effects: The Supreme Court Tariff Case and What Comes Next
Emil and Tom are joined by Cameron Roberts, Esq., Partner at Roberts & Kehagiaras and Licensed Customs Broker, to unpack the Supreme Court tariff case everyone in trade is watching. Their conversation breaks down the legal arguments and the government’s justifications surrounding the tariffs, how the Court’s decision could reshape tariff authority, and practical recommendations for companies trying to plan ahead amid continued uncertainty.
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Episode 2 - January 2026
Emil Stefanutti and Tom Gould sit down with Gaia Dynamics CTO Carlos Alzate, a veteran AI leader with experience at IBM Research and Andrew Ng’s AI Fund, to explore what AI can truly do today in customs and global trade. They discuss why generic AI tools often fall short in highly specialized compliance environments, what AI is already enabling for classification and tariff workflows, how regulators may shape adoption, what “Reasonable Care” means in an AI-driven world, and the security, risk, and breakthroughs that will define the next decade of trade and customs modernization.
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Episode 1 - December 2025
Emil and Tom chat with industry veterans Steve Bozicevic (CEO, A&A Customs Brokers) and Bojan Strbanovic (Global Director of Trade, Logistics Plus) to discuss the unprecedented changes in global trade and customs in 2025. They also explore the integration of technology and AI in trade processes, predictions for what's coming in 2026, and practical recommendations to help brokers, importers, and shippers navigate what’s next.
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