Trade Talks: Insights for a Changing World | By ICC Belgium & Deloitte

Trade Unpacked episode 9 | Rules of Origin: From Compliance to Strategic Advantage

Do you know where your products really come from? And more importantly, does it cost you money if you don't? In this episode of Trade Unpacked, Katrien Nuyts from Deloitte sits down with Mayra Souza from International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), a global trade leader with extensive experience in preferential origin policy, and Jens De Prins from Deloitte, who brings a unique perspective having spent years on the regulatory side before moving into the private sector. Together they unpack one of the most complex – and most underestimated – topics in international trade: rules of origin. From the difference between preferential and non-preferential origin, to supplier declarations, trade agreement negotiations and the ongoing EU review of origin rules – this episode covers it all. Because origin is not just a compliance exercise. Used well, it is a genuine strategic lever. 🎧 Listen now!

Trade unpacked episode 8 | How to build a resilient trade strategy in changing times

Tariffs shifting weekly. Geopolitical rules torn up overnight. A global trading system that looks different every Monday morning. So how do you build a trade strategy when the ground keeps moving? In this episode of Trade Unpacked, Julie Deré sits down with Joachim De Vos, Professor of Scenario Planning at Ghent University, and trade experts Ezaline and Frauke from Deloitte to answer exactly that question. From scenario planning to diversification, from building a business case under uncertainty to the real role of AI in trade strategy -  this is a conversation every business leader should hear. 🎧 Listen now.

Trade unpacked episode 7 | Classification, Origin, Value: The Customs Triangle and the Role of Transfer Pricing

In this episode, we explore why customs is far more than a technical or administrative function—it’s a strategic pillar at the core of international trade, directly impacting cost, compliance, and risk. We break down the three fundamental elements of customs: classification, origin, and customs value—what a product is, where it comes from, and how much it’s worth. While each pillar is critical, determining the value of goods has become increasingly complex in today’s world of integrated global supply chains and intra-group transactions. That’s where transfer pricing enters the picture. Our discussion focuses on how these concepts intersect, the challenges companies face in aligning them, and the practical implications for multinational businesses. To unpack these topics, we’re joined by three experts offering both legal and real-world perspectives: * Philippe Heeren (Partner at Reed Smith) * Paul Marneffe (Director Transfer Pricing at Deloitte), and * Nico Bogaerts (Global Customs & Compliance Lead at Pfizer Global Supply and Customs Pro Award 2025 winner). Moderated by Frauke Detemmerman, Director Global Trade Advisory at Deloitte Tune in for a clear, insightful conversation on how businesses can better navigate the intersection of customs and transfer pricing in an increasingly complex trade environment.

Trade unpacked episode 6 | Gen Z’s Take on Global Trade

In this episode of Trade Unpacked, we explore Gen Z’s take on global trade. What does international trade mean to them? How do they see its role in economic growth, sustainability and social responsibility? And what challenges do they believe will define the future of global commerce? Our host, Katrien Nuyts from Deloitte, is joined by two young Gen Z professionals Jakob Deleu and Yide Thienpondt who are at the beginning of their careers. They share their perspectives on global trade, and reflect on the key challenges ahead — from geopolitical uncertainty and climate impact to ethical supply chains and technological transformation. Together, they offer a fresh and forward-looking perspective on how Gen Z is thinking about the future of global trade.

Trade unpacked episode 5 | e-commerce and counterfeit

E-commerce has fundamentally transformed global trade but it has also created new challenges for regulators and businesses alike. In this episode of Trade Unpacked, we explore how the explosive growth of e-commerce has led the European Union to introduce a proposed €3 handling fee per parcel, and what this means in practice for companies operating in or trading with the EU. Beyond taxation, e-commerce, particularly high-volume imports from China, has significantly increased the number of non-compliant and counterfeit products entering the European market. How serious is the problem? And how are authorities and businesses responding? Our host Julie Deré from ICC Belgium is joined by two leading experts: * Kristian Vanderwaeren, Head of Belgian Customs and Chair of the foundation No to Counterfeiting and Piracy (NANAC) * Alexander Baert, Partner at Deloitte Legal Together, they share first-hand insights into enforcement, compliance risks, and practical strategies to tackle counterfeiting in today’s e-commerce-driven trade environment.