Host: Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles
Guest(s): Evan Smith
Published: May 7, 2026
Length: 43:23
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary

Global trade is changing fast, and compliance teams are being asked to do more than ever before. In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome back Evan Smith of Altana to discuss how artificial intelligence, supply chain visibility, and product passports are reshaping the way importers, brokers, forwarders, and governments approach trade compliance.

Evan explains why traditional customs entry data is no longer enough for today’s regulatory environment, especially as forced labor enforcement, tariff stacking, rules of origin, carbon requirements, and geopolitical risk all demand a deeper understanding of the full value chain. The conversation explores how product passports can help companies move from reactive problem-solving to proactive trade assurance, allowing importers to document, validate, and communicate product and supply chain information before goods arrive at the border.

This episode matters because it highlights a major shift: trade compliance is no longer just a back-office function. It is becoming a strategic business capability that can reduce risk, improve speed to market, and create competitive advantage. Transcript source:

Main Topic / Discussion

The episode focuses on the rise of AI-enabled product passports and how they can help companies manage modern trade compliance challenges. Evan Smith explains how Altana’s technology maps value chain networks, supports regulatory attestations, and helps businesses better understand supplier relationships, origin data, forced labor risk, tariff exposure, USMCA qualification, and other trade requirements.

A key theme is the shift from transaction-based compliance to network-based compliance. Instead of relying only on individual customs entries, companies are being encouraged to build a deeper, ongoing view of their products and supply chains. This allows trade teams to identify risk earlier, respond more effectively to government inquiries, and potentially gain trade facilitation benefits through pre-validation and stronger documentation.

The discussion also emphasizes leadership’s role in elevating trade compliance across product design, sourcing, procurement, logistics, and overall business strategy.

Key Takeaways

• Customs authorities are increasingly focused on full supply chain and value chain visibility, not just entry-level transaction data.
• Product passports can help importers proactively document product identity, supplier networks, origin details, and compliance evidence.
• AI is not replacing trade professionals; it is giving them better tools to manage growing complexity.
• Trade compliance should be involved earlier in business decisions, including design, sourcing, procurement, and logistics planning.
• Companies that understand and manage their value chain networks can reduce risk, improve clearance outcomes, and create competitive advantage.
• Leadership must provide trade teams with the authority, budget, tools, and organizational access needed to respond to today’s trade environment.

Resources & Mentions

• Global Training Center
• Altana

Credits

Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Andy Shiles – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Evan Smith – LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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