Host: Cindy Allen and Pete Mento
Published: July 23, 2026
Length: 41:32
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary

Trade enforcement is entering a new phase—and importers, customs brokers, executives, and board members may all be in the line of sight. Cindy Allen and Pete Mento unpack the Department of Justice Trade Fraud Task Force’s announcement that it surpassed $1 billion in civil and criminal recoveries, penalties, forfeitures, and publicly charged losses in less than one year. They explore what that milestone signals for companies that still treat customs compliance as a back-office responsibility.

The conversation moves from CBP Forms 28 and 29 to the government’s expanding ability to combine entry, manifest, and supply-chain data with AI-driven analysis. Cindy and Pete debate whether targeting intelligence should be shared with customs brokers and importers, how companies should approach data collaboration, and why “we’ve always done it this way” is becoming an increasingly dangerous compliance strategy.

They also examine the USMCA annual review cycle, possible changes involving regional value content and Chinese-origin inputs, forced-labor enforcement, manufacturing policy, and the consumer behavior shaping global sourcing. Along the way, a Piggly Wiggly shame board, Bob Newhart’s apartment, and the toilet-paper aisle become memorable lessons about accountability, consumption, and the true cost of inexpensive goods.

This Week in Trade

• The DOJ Trade Fraud Task Force surpasses $1 billion in recoveries and charged losses
• Cindy’s read on the growing significance of CBP Form 29 Notices of Action
• AI, anomaly detection, and government supply-chain mapping
• The USMCA annual review cycle and potential changes to regional content rules

Main Topic / Discussion

This episode explores the transition from trade facilitation and informed compliance to a far more aggressive enforcement environment.

Enforcement and accountability

Cindy and Pete discuss the potential exposure facing importers, customs brokers, executives, CEOs, and board members. Compliance decisions that were once treated as operational details may now create civil, criminal, financial, and reputational consequences.

Data, AI, and early warning

The hosts examine how CBP can use entry, manifest, supplier, and historical data to identify anomalies. They debate whether the government should share more targeting intelligence so customs brokers and importers can identify problems before an entry is filed.

USMCA, sourcing, and consumers

The discussion expands to the USMCA annual review process, possible Chinese-content restrictions, regional value content calculations, forced-labor enforcement, domestic manufacturing, and whether American consumers are prepared to accept higher prices or fewer choices in exchange for more ethical and regionalized supply chains.

Key Takeaways

• Trade compliance is no longer solely the responsibility of the customs or logistics department; executives and board members need visibility into material customs risks and compliance decisions.

• CBP Forms 28 and 29 should be treated as warning signals that may justify a broader review of products, suppliers, valuation, classification, origin, and previous entries.

• Importers and brokers should use data proactively to identify anomalies, understand enforcement patterns, map deeper-tier suppliers, and address risk before filing.

• The USMCA review process, forced-labor enforcement, and possible changes to regional content requirements could reshape sourcing and manufacturing decisions throughout North America.

Resources & Mentions

• Global Training Center
• DOJ: Trade Fraud Task Force Surpasses $1 Billion in Recoveries and Charged Losses
• CBP Form 28 — Request for Information
• CBP ACE Portal Guidance for Forms 28 and 29
• USTR: Statement on the 2026 USMCA Joint Review

Credits

Host:
Cindy Allen
Pete Mento

Producer:
Mara Marquez