Host: Annik Sobing
Guest: Joe Burks, Importer at Yamaha
Published: November 10, 2025
Length: ~23 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center
In this week’s Simply Trade Roundup, Annik Sobing welcomes Joe Burks, importer at Yamaha, to unpack the very real challenges trade professionals face amid ever-changing tariffs, tight timelines, and limited resources.
From 301 and 232 tariffs to broker errors, Joe sheds light on the daily grind of staying compliant while keeping operations moving. He discusses how misapplied Chapter 99 codes, like those covering metal derivatives, can lead to a 50% spike in duties overnight — and how proactive auditing helped Yamaha recover over $52,000 in refunds.
Annik and Joe also dive into the human side of trade: burnout, job security, and the importance of communicating value to management. Joe shares how he secured an additional headcount by quantifying trade’s impact, proving that compliance teams can and do add measurable value.
The episode wraps up with a forward-looking conversation about AI in trade compliance, the Supreme Court’s review of tariffs, and the uncertainty around potential duty refunds. Joe’s advice? Don’t rely on policy changes — manage what you can control, audit your entries, and build resilience in your processes.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How 301 and 232 tariffs are creating major operational challenges for importers.
Why auditing broker work is critical — even when you’ve worked with them for years.
The impact of misapplied Chapter 99 exceptions on cost and compliance.
Practical ways to communicate your team’s value and get leadership buy-in.
How AI automation tools can help offset limited staffing and improve accuracy.
What trade professionals should watch for as the Supreme Court weighs in on tariffs and potential refunds.
Key Takeaways
Always audit your broker’s work — one misclassified entry could cost thousands.
Track and measure trade data to show results; “You can’t fix what you don’t measure.”
AI won’t replace compliance professionals but can automate manual steps.
Don’t depend on policy changes or refunds — focus on process control and accuracy.
Communicating trade’s financial value (e.g., duty refunds) can earn you a seat at the table.
Resources & Mentions
Credits
Host: Annik Sobing
Guest: Joe Burks
Producer: Lalo Solorzano
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Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.
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