Last Tuesday, August 12th, we launched the Automotive Trade Compliance Masterclass, developed by TCEPro, the TCEPro (Trade Compliance Executive Program) Program, and AIAG - Automotive Industry Action Group.
The opening session, “Ensuring Seamless Trade for the U.S. Trade Industry,” set the stage for today’s most pressing automotive trade compliance challenges. This program also provides continuing education credits for participants.
Opening Panel – New Rules, New Roads
Matt Pohlman – Compliance leaders must brief executives in 5 minutes, focusing on business impacts over technical details.
Ana Hinojosa – CBP and the State Department are hiring more officials, adding prosecutors for trade fraud, and investing in AI for advanced enforcement.
Renata Rocha – Compliance must work closely with cross-functional teams, especially procurement.
Program Topic 1 - Contemporary Trade Topics for Vehicles & Auto Parts
The hottest debates: Section 232 tariffs & origin requirements wew highlighted by Myriam Cronk.
Recent USMCA changes mean Section 232 tariffs now apply even to USMCA vehicles—a new burden requiring full traceability of all vehicle and parts content.
Gianluca Romano, with 30+ years in NAFTA/USMCA leadership, stressed that suppliers must prepare for new documentation and verification obligations, driving the need for stronger controls and tech.
Frankie Bryson discussed tariff offsets—a major talking point among the four large automakers present.
Program Topic 2 - Powering Trade Compliance Programs
Stephen Swiech – Moving from technical expertise to team leadership is key to influencing across functions and growing in the organization.
Alex (Alexandre) Lira – Urged action on corporate investment now. Many compliance teams aren’t in budget talks, but 2026 budgets are being set today—the time to present new compliance requirements is now.
Future success demands more resources, people, and AI-powered tech to match government inspection capabilities.
Takeaway: Trade compliance is now a strategic, cross-functional driver of competitiveness and resilience.
Our webinars continue in the coming weeks, covering the next program topics. All sessions are recorded, and registrations are open—new participants can catch up anytime via our platform.