Trade & Tech Series – Episode 4
Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks
Hammer and Heels
Length: ~12 minutes
Format: Simply Trade Tips (Trade & Tech series)
Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks dive into the evolving role of audit automation in global trade compliance — and why traditional, reactive auditing models are no longer enough.
With increased enforcement focus from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice, companies can no longer rely on trust-based assertions or post-liquidation corrections. Instead, trade compliance is shifting from passive, after-the-fact reviews to active, continuous validation powered by technology and AI.
Renee and Julie break down how automated audit controls can help companies defend tariff positions, validate origin and classification claims, and identify risk before it becomes an enforcement issue — all while freeing human auditors to focus on higher-value analysis.
Key Topics Covered
Why audit programs are now a regulatory expectation, not a “nice to have”
DOJ and CBP enforcement priorities impacting import compliance
The limits of traditional sample-based audits and post-liquidation fixes
What audit automation really means in trade compliance
Using technology to continuously validate:
Classification
Valuation
Country of origin
FTA eligibility
Trade remedy exposure
How ERP data changes can impact compliance in real time
The importance of defensibility over perfection
Why AI doesn’t replace judgment — it enhances it
Data readiness: understanding what data you actually have before deploying AI tools
Key Takeaways
Compliance today is about proof, not assertions
Regulators don’t expect zero errors — they expect reasonable, documented controls
Audit automation helps identify risk before entry finalization or liquidation
Technology enables trade teams to review more data with fewer resources
Human auditors are still critical — automation removes low-value tasks so they can focus on what matters most
Defensible audit programs protect both the company and leadership
This Episode’s FIO (Figure It Out)
Pause and kick the tires on audit automation.
Identify one provider or tool
Understand what comparisons they can run using your existing data
Evaluate what low-hanging fruit automation can remove from your auditors’ workload
Use technology to enhance — not replace — human expertise
Even testing one tool can reshape how you think about audit readiness and defensibility.
Join the Conversation
How are you auditing your trade data today?
Are you still relying on samples and spreadsheets — or moving toward continuous validation?
Join the discussion in the Trade Geeks Community and let us know how you’re approaching audit automation.
Credits
Hosts:
Renée Chiuchiarelli
Julie Parks
Producer:
Lalo Solorzano
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Presented by:
Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals.
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