ATCC 2026 Recap: Trade War, AI, USMCA & What’s Keeping Compliance Leaders Up at Night

February 12
36 mins

Episode Description

Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano

Guests: Jill Roseman & Darie Achstein Conway
Episode: ST440
Length: ~42 minutes

Episode Summary

What happens when some of the sharpest minds in trade compliance gather in one room?

In this special recap episode, Andy and Lalo sit down with trade compliance leaders Jill Roseman and Darie Achstein Conway to unpack the biggest takeaways from the 2026 Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance (ATCC) Conference.

From “Trump 2.0” trade policies to stacked Section 232/301 tariffs, AI in customs enforcement, USMCA uncertainty, cartel-related compliance risk, and the explosive rise in executive-level attention to trade — this episode highlights why compliance is no longer sitting in the corner.

If you’ve ever wondered whether conferences are worth the investment… this conversation may change your mind.

Meet the Guests Jill Roseman

A seasoned global trade compliance leader with 20+ years of experience across chemicals, pharmaceuticals (pet and human health), policy work, M&A, and global program development. Jill brings a strategic perspective on mitigation strategies, first sale for export, and executive communication in today’s trade environment.

Darie Achstein Conway

A longtime trade compliance expert with more than 30 years in manufacturing and technology, with deep expertise in exports and encryption licensing. Darie is also an instructor with Global Training Center and brings both industry wisdom and fresh insights on AI, automation, and the next generation of trade professionals.

Key Discussion Highlights Trade War Reality: What’s Actually Happening?
  • Section 232 and 301 stacking

  • Mitigation strategies (including First Sale for Export)

  • How to translate trade policy into executive-level language

  • Why compliance teams are suddenly front and center in corporate strategy

AI Is Here — And Customs Is Already Using It
  • AI-driven HTS classification

  • Automation expectations from brokers, 3PLs, and carriers

  • Why companies not leveraging automation risk falling behind

  • The importance of verification and documentation when using AI

Executive Awareness Is Rising
  • Directors and VPs taking compliance training

  • Trade compliance now touching every business function: procurement, finance, HR, legal, IT, logistics

  • The importance of bringing compliance into sourcing and strategic planning conversations early

USMCA & Mexico Policy Developments
  • Keynote insights from former Mexican Ambassador Bárbara González

  • 70% changes to Mexico’s constitution

  • Potential implications of cartel designation as terrorist organizations

  • What this could mean for forced labor-style scrutiny and due diligence

The Power of Conferences
  • Why sending multiple compliance team members matters

  • Splitting tracks and comparing notes

  • The value of networking in complex, fast-changing regulatory environments

  • Why one conference per year may no longer be enough

Top Takeaways
  • Trade compliance is now a board-level conversation.

  • AI is reshaping both enforcement and compliance workflows.

  • Mitigation strategies require constant monitoring.

  • Conferences aren’t optional anymore — they’re strategic investments.

  • Even seasoned professionals walk away humbled — and sharper.

Resources Credits

Hosts:
Andy Shiles
Lalo Solorzano

Produced by: Global Training Center

Podcast: Simply Trade

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