International Trade Resources Podcast

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall chats with Patricia Leebove about what global process improvement really looks like inside international organizations. In this episode, Patricia breaks down how improvement work can range from small, high-impact fixes to full-scale projects — and why the size of the initiative doesn’t determine its value. She and Kim...

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall chats with Ervis Micukaj, owner and general manager of Jet IT in Shanghai, about the practical realities of cloud backup, data security, and compliance for international companies— especially those operating in China and the broader APAC region. Ervis explains why backing up data and keeping it secure aren’t opposing...

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall sits down with Ann Shipherd, owner of A.C. Ship Global Trade Law and a seasoned consultant with extensive experience in customs brokerage and trade compliance. Together, they tackle one of the most pressing and confusing issues in international trade today: understanding tariff announcements. When headlines announce a...

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast , host Kim Kirkendall chats with Ed Brzytwa, Vice President of International Trade at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). With experience spanning the Department of Commerce, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and multiple trade associations, Ed brings deep insight into the intersection of trade policy and industry intere...

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast , host Kim Kirkendall chats with Ying Lu, founder of Blue Lake Packaging and former global operations leader at Apple. With a rich background in industrial engineering and a passion for sustainable design, Ying brings a practical, design-forward perspective to a topic many companies overlook: packaging. But this isn’t just about logos and...

Today on the International Trade Resources Podcast, our host Kim Kirkendall is joined by Nathan Reed, a licensed customs broker and Director of Customs and Foreign Trade, to discuss the importance of knowledgeable and reliable customs brokers. Navigating the complexities of international trade regulations and customs compliance can be complex, and knowing how to make the most of your relationship...

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall chats with international marketing consultant Kathryn Read, dialing in from Vienna to unpack the art and science of negotiating import duties and tariffs. They kick off by discussing who traditionally bears the cost of import duties under common Incoterms and why building a comprehensive “price map” with your importer...

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall chats with Emmet McGovern, a seasoned trade compliance expert about the often-overlooked but critically important world of importer liabilities and risks. Together, they unpack the role of the Importer of Record, explaining how legal responsibility for declaring goods, paying duties, and maintaining accurate documenta...

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall chats with Diego Montemayor, a seasoned trade compliance expert with over 15 years of global market experience. They dive deep into the sometimes confusing world of country of origin determination—especially when components are sourced, partially assembled, and finished across multiple jurisdictions. Diego lays out th...

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall chats with international trade expert Alejandro Alcalde as they dive into additional valuation strategies and explore fresh opportunities amid an ever-evolving tariff. Their conversation builds on prior discussions about first sale valuation and takes a deep dive into other options, including the use of free trade zon...

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast , host Kim Kirkendall welcomes back Alejandro Alcalde, a trade compliance expert with decades of experience in global customs, logistics, and tax compliance. Together, they dive into the complexities of Import Valuation Strategies —a critical topic for businesses navigating international trade in an era of fluctuating tariffs. Discover ho...

Today on the International Trade Resources Podcast, our host Kim Kirkendall is joined by Josh Rodman, a partner at Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, to discuss the complexities of Country of Origin, or COO. Country of Origin is not as simple as it seems, with different definitions by different agencies that can impact both import and export. In this episode, we dig into the details with Josh as he...

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast , host Kim Kirkendall sits down with Nathan Reed, Director of Customs and Foreign Trade, to unravel the complexities of customs valuation for imports. With extensive experience - including consulting roles at Deloitte and DHL - Nathan breaks down why getting valuation right is critical for businesses importing goods across international b...

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall sits down with Art Dicker, an experienced international trade lawyer and founding partner of Parkwin, to explore the key contracts businesses need when working with suppliers. With decades of experience in venture capital, joint ventures, licensing, and distribution deals, Art shares expert insights into navigating su...

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast , host Kim Kirkendall chats with Katie Howe, Managing Director of Jacaranda Communications, to discuss the art of branding across the diverse Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. With decades of experience across New Zealand, Australia, China, and more, Katie shares expert tips on adapting brands to diverse markets while staying true to their core...

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast , host Kim Kirkendall chats with Andrew Kennedy, Logistics Manager at Kitagawa Europe, to explore the pressing challenges in global logistics today. With over three decades in supply chain management, Andrew shares strategies for maintaining agility and efficiency amid disruptions like trade wars, conflicts, and extreme weather events. An...

Today on the "International Trade Resource Podcast," host Kim Kirkendall sits down with Kathryn Read to explore the critical topic of creating a budget for export expansion. Often overlooked or underestimated by companies, poor budgeting for new market entry can quickly become a costly mistake.  In this episode they dive into the challenges businesses face when estimating potential sales...

Today on the International Trade Resources Podcast, our host Kim Kirkendall is joined by Kenton Grimes from Mohawk Global to dive deep into the world of HTS codes and tariffs, revealing how crucial they are in determining duty rates for imported and exported goods.  Misclassifying products under the wrong HTS code can result in serious financial and legal repercussions, from incorrect duties to po...

Today on the International Trade Resources Podcast, our host Kim Kirkendall is joined by Josh Rodman, a partner at Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, to discuss the complexities of Country of Origin, or COO. Country of Origin is not as simple as it seems, with different definitions by different agencies that can impact both import and export. In this episode, we dig into the details with Josh as he...

Today on the International Trade Resources Podcast, our host Kim Kirkendall is joined by Steven Huang of Zhong Lu Law Firm to discuss 2024 changes to the corporate law in China and the implications for foreign companies, especially regarding capital contributions, increased liabilities for directors, the role of legal representatives, and supervisory boards.  It is important to note with this new...

Today on the International Trade Resources Podcast, our host Kim Kirkendall is joined by Dave Gulas, President and Co-Founder from EZDC 3PL. Dave and Kim discuss fulfillment distribution centers options and offer valuable insights into the challenges that foreign companies face when entering the U.S. market.  First, Dave and Kim discuss challenges of setting up fulfillment centers in the U.S. Fore...

Today on the International Trade Resources Podcast, our host Kim Kirkendall is joined by Emmanuel Margaritas to discuss the importance of having a well-developed export plan, the challenges and barriers companies face when exporting, the need for product selection and adaptation for export markets, and the significance of having an appropriate pricing strategy for export markets.  First, Kim and E...

Today on the International Trade Resources Podcast, our host Kim Kirkendall is joined by Olivier Brusle, CEO of ACTIOM, a professional services firm, to discuss some of the challenges companies have getting paid regarding export sales. Olivier has over 35 years of industry, entrepreneurship, and consulting experience and is an expert in optimizing commercial transitions and B2B Sales.  First Olivi...

Today on the International Trade Resources Podcast, our host Kim Kirkendall is joined by Alejandro Alcalde to discuss the recent impact supply chain disruption, politics, and tariffs have had on trade between Mexico with the US and Canada. Alejandro is a trade compliance professional who is also currently studying for his trade lawyer diploma and consecutively attending the Mexico Trade and Law Co...

Today on the International Trade Resources Podcast, our host Kim Kirkendall is joined by Art Dicker, a senior counsel at R&P China Lawyers and host of the Asia Business Podcast, to discuss expanding into the South East Asian emerging supply base, comparing countries like Vietnam and Indonesia with China.  To begin, Art and Kim talk about some of the concerns around Supplier management and how...