Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work?
Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance?
Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’?
If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you.
Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade.
We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed!
You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders.
Let’s get to it!
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Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work?
Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance?
Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’?
If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you.
Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade.
We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed!
You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders.
Let’s get to it!
From Hay Bales to AI — How Automation Is Transforming Trade Compliance
Simply Trade
45 minutes
1 week ago
From Hay Bales to AI — How Automation Is Transforming Trade Compliance
Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy ShilesGuests:
Anand Raghavendran– KYG Trade
Gagan Bhasin – VAOPublished: October 2025Presented by: Global Training CenterLength: ~45 minutes
Episode Summary
What do hay bales, compliance teams, and artificial intelligence have in common? A lot more than you might think.
In this week’s Simply Trade episode, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles reflect on the evolution of automation — from manual fieldwork to cutting-edge AI tools transforming global trade. Recorded shortly after the ICPA Fall Conference, this episode dives into two of the biggest topics dominating the industry: tariff mitigation and AI-driven efficiency.
Guests Anand Raghavendran (KYG) and Gagan Bhasin (VAO) share how AI is revolutionizing classification, post-entry audits, document processing, and compliance monitoring — helping trade professionals do more with less. They also address the very real challenges of implementing AI responsibly, building organizational buy-in, and maintaining data security.
This conversation blends real-world examples, humor, and strategic advice — reminding every listener that AI isn’t replacing trade professionals… but those who know how to use it will be the ones who thrive.
Key Topics
The evolution of automation — from hay balers to AI in trade compliance
AI’s expanding role in HTS classification and post-entry audits
Using AI to read, process, and reconcile import/export documentation
How to build a successful implementation strategy and secure buy-in
Balancing innovation with data protection and information security
Why AI is a tool, not a threat — and how trade professionals can lead the charge
Quotes to Remember
“AI is never going to replace humans — it’s facilitating and improving the efficiency of the people behind it.” — Anand
“Trade professionals are the superheroes keeping supply chains stable. They may not wear capes, but they deserve all the support they can get.” — Gagan
“If you’re not learning AI, someone who is will replace you.” — Lalo Solorzano
Resources & Mentions
KYG Trade
VAO.ai
ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association
U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security – Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
Global Training Center
Credits
Hosts:
Lalo Solorzano
Andy Shiles
Guests:
Anand Raghavendran – KYG Trade
Gagan Bhasin – VAO
Produced by: Global Training Center
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Simply Trade
Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work?
Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance?
Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’?
If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you.
Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade.
We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed!
You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders.
Let’s get to it!
