Host: Cindy Allen
Published: May 15 2026
Length: ~13 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Are We Out of the Woods Yet? Trade Policy, CAPE Updates, and a Push Toward Normalized Trade

In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen uses Taylor Swift’s “Are We Out of the Woods Yet?” to frame a week full of major trade developments. She covers the ongoing court fight over Section 122 tariffs, the Supreme Court’s ruling on freight broker liability, shifting freight and fuel costs tied to global conflict, and new pressure in USMCA negotiations. The episode also brings encouraging CAPE updates, including refunds reaching importers’ bank accounts, while highlighting the still-busy ACE help desk and the potential scope of phase two. Cindy closes by looking at recent U.S.-China developments and asking whether trade may finally be moving back toward a more stable, predictable path.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Section 122 and court action
Cindy explains how the administration is continuing to challenge the court’s ruling on Section 122 tariffs and why a Supreme Court resolution now seems likely. She also notes that CBP’s ability to administer tariffs on an importer-by-importer basis was a major concern in the case.

Broker liability and vetting
The episode covers the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport 2, which may expose logistics companies and freight brokers to liability for carrier safety issues. Cindy discusses how this is pushing forwarders and associations to rethink vetting and risk management.

CAPE progress and phase two
There is good news on CAPE: refunds are reportedly hitting bank accounts, and many importers are seeing the process work as intended. Cindy also discusses unresolved questions around reconciliation filings and what might be included in the next phase.

Trade policy and pricing pressure
The conversation turns to rising transportation costs, changes in ocean and air freight demand, and congressional concern over Mexican produce imports in the USMCA context. Cindy explains how anti-dumping duties and policy shifts are feeding into inflation and trade uncertainty.

Are we out of the woods?
Cindy uses the song to reflect on whether trade is finally moving toward stability, predictability, and more normalized negotiations. She ends on a hopeful note that the current turbulence may be giving way to a more balanced trade environment.

Credits
Host: Cindy Allen
Presented by: Global Training Center

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