Summary
This episode focuses on how tariffs, supply-chain fragmentation, and geopolitical tension are reshaping global trade, with a strong emphasis on why tariffs did not restore U.S. manufacturing jobs. Evan Smith of Altana explains that firms often rerouted supply chains through third countries and absorbed the added friction rather than bringing production back home. The discussion also explores how Altana’s shared trade network helps governments, logistics providers, and companies work from a common set of supply-chain facts. A major theme is the rise of agentic AI and how it is changing both Altana’s internal software development and external trade workflows. The episode broadens from trade policy into economic statecraft, customs enforcement, and the growing use of product passports and continuous monitoring.
Key Takeaways
- 1Agentic AI is becoming a practical tool for both software development and trade operations.
- 2Altana’s business is built around a shared trade network rather than a traditional centralized database.
- 3Customs enforcement is shifting from random inspections to continuous, data-driven monitoring.
- 4Tariffs did not meaningfully bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.
- 5Trade policy, industrial policy, and national security are increasingly merging into one system of economic statecraft.
- 6The hardest part of building network software is often coordination, not technology.
Notable Quotes
""So, one of our investors described Altana as an index bet on global dislocation.""
""We work with eight of the ten biggest logistics providers.""
""One major government I know intimately well has a 0.5% targeting hit rate in their customs targeting system.""
""The answer probably controversially is no.""
""It is a software solution.""
""What we are not doing is sharing everybody's data with each other.""
""For example, we have systems that detect risky shipments and global trade, or we predict the valuation of goods or the customs classification of goods.""
""I think we're going toward a world that is more economically secure and therefore more physically secure.""
Episode questions
What does Altana actually do?
Altana connects public and private sector actors into a shared trade network, giving them the same supply-chain facts and collaboration tools. It works with customs agencies, major logistics providers, and enterprises to manage trade and compliance.
Did tariffs bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.?
No, not on a net basis. Evan says manufacturing output may have improved after the initial shock, but manufacturing jobs continue to decline, which he attributes largely to industrial automation.
How is agentic AI changing Altana’s workflow?
AI agents are being used to handle parts of product development, customs brokerage, and trade orchestration. Evan says this is speeding up product judgments, prototyping, and the execution of complex workflows.
Why is supply-chain traceability becoming so important?
Because governments now want to know the provenance, compliance status, and security implications of goods before they cross borders. Altana’s 'product passport' approach tries to turn one-time border checks into continuous monitoring of trusted goods.