During this episode, Graham Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Importal, joins Santosh to discuss how AI is transforming customs brokerage and trade compliance. The conversation explores the integration of technology in managing complex regulations, the impact of ongoing trade wars and tariff changes, lessons from real brands like Bad Birdie, and how businesses can adapt to policy volatility and government shutdowns. Key takeaways include the necessity for importers to proactively manage trade compliance, leverage AI-driven solutions for greater accuracy and efficiency, the critical role of trust in global supply chains, and so much more. 

Highlights from their conversation include:

• Introduction to Importal and Its Mission (1:15)
• Defining Trade Compliance and Customs Brokerage (3:19)
• Why Integrating Trade Compliance and Brokerage Matters (4:31)
• The Process of Importing Goods Into the U.S. (5:41)
• How the Industry Operated Historically and Technology’s Role (8:18)
• Coping with Policy Lags and Tariff Changes (9:48)
• Using AI for Real-Time Compliance and Customer Impact (11:51)
• Bad Birdie’s Success and Supplier Diversification (13:22)
• Required Certifications and Regulatory Documentation (0:15:30)
• Industrial vs. Consumer Economy Supply Chain Strategies (17:41)
• Tariffs, Inflation, and Global Shifting of Manufacturing (19:18)
• The Effect of the Government Shutdown on Trade (20:42)
• Trust in Global Trade Value Chains (24:04)
• Rapid Fire Segment and Parting Thoughts (26:20)

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.

Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/