International Trade: Economic Impulses for a Sustainable Trade Policy

Open markets and reliable trade rules are the foundation of Germany's economic success. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) highlights where companies need support in international business: market access, trade barriers, customs and sanctions law, supply chain stability, and diversification of sales markets. With practical knowledge from the global AHK network, DIHK brings the voice of business into trade policy debates – advocating for framework conditions that strengthen fairness, planning security, and global competitiveness.

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Mann im Haus der Deutschen Wirtschaft
© DIHK / Marko Priske
DIHK in den Medien (Auswahl) Internationaler Handel

"Buy European": Interference with Entrepreneurial Freedom

To strengthen European industry, the EU Commission plans to introduce "Buy European" provisions as part of the "Industrial Accelerator Act": Public contracts and grants will favor companies that produce locally within the EU. But is this the right approach? Klemens Kober, DIHK's foreign trade...

Reaktion von Volker Treier
© DIHK / Werner Schuering
Pressemitteilung Internationaler Handel

“Abschottung ist kein Beschleuniger: Europas Industrie braucht Freiheit statt neuer Fesseln” - Aktuelle DIHK-Umfrage zu ‘Buy European’

DIHK-Außenwirtschaftschef Volker Treier zum Vorschlag des Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA)

Date of publication 04.03.2026
Reaktion von Volker Treier
© DIHK / Werner Schuering
Reaktion Internationaler Handel

US trade policy unpredictable – EU must act together now

DIHK Head of Foreign Trade Treier: Examine all instruments of EU trade protection

Date of publication 18.01.2026
Helena Melnikov mit Moderatorin im ARD-Studio
© DIHK / Dominik Ohlig
DIHK in den Medien (Auswahl) Internationaler Handel

"Buy European sounds appealing but can be dangerous"

At the Special Summit on February 12, EU leaders aim to discuss ways to strengthen European resilience and competitiveness. DIHK CEO Helena Melnikov calls for a clear signal of determination towards growth in ARD’s Morning Show.

Stellungnahme Internationaler Handel

LkSG: DIHK demands further relief measures

The draft amendment to the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence in Supply Chains (LkSG) aims to ease bureaucratic burdens on companies. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) welcomes the elimination of reporting obligations but calls for further measures.

Date of publication 14.10.2025
Mercosur-Parlamentsgebäude am Rio De La Plata, Montevideo, Uruguay
© Donyanedomam / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Im Fokus Internationaler Handel

EU-Mercosur Agreement – A Milestone for Supply Chain Diversification in South America

Since the 1990s, the EU has negotiated extensive trade facilitation measures with the Mercosur bloc. At long last, the agreement is set to be ratified, offering German companies significantly improved access to Latin American markets. Its practical implementation is key to its success, and...

Containerhafen mit Skyline Großstadt
© Thatree Thitivongvaroon / Moment / Getty Images
Positionierung Internationaler Handel

Open markets and robust trade rules remain pillars of prosperity

An ambitious EU trade policy supporting German companies in their global business is what the DIHK demands from the European Union. Ten key guidelines outline essential aspects.

Date of publication 17.01.2024
Podcast Internationaler Handel

"WirtschaftsWissen", Folge 20 Zick-Zack-Kurs in der Zollpolitik: US-Handelspolitik verunsichert deutsche Unternehmen

Zölle rauf, Zölle runter: In der 20. Folge von "WirtschaftsWissen" ordnet Paul Meyer, Referatsleiter US-Handelspolitik bei der DIHK, die Zollpolitik im Hinblick auf die Wirtschaftsbeziehungen zwischen Deutschland und den Vereinigten Staaten ein. Denn die Unsicherheit über die US-Zollpolitik...

Date of publication 05.06.2025
Handelsabkommen EU Indonesien
© EU-Kommission / Dati Bendo
Im Fokus Internationaler Handel

Europe and Indonesia draw closer: New trade agreement boosts growth

The EU is about to conclude a comprehensive trade agreement with Indonesia – one of Southeast Asia's key growth markets. For German businesses, the vast ASEAN nation offers immense opportunities. To make the partnership truly effective, tariffs, trade barriers and bureaucracy must be...

US-Flagge an Hafen
© Glowimages / Getty Images
Umfragen und Zahlen Internationaler Handel

Customs Deal with the USA Brings Further Concerns Rather Than Relief

Instead of relief, concerns arise: Why the customs agreement is turning into a "bitter pill" for many, what costs await companies and consumers – and where German businesses are refocusing their attention.

Date of publication 06.08.2025
Pressemitteilung Internationaler Handel

DIHK Foreign Trade Report 2025

Trade restrictions and reporting requirements weigh on German exporters

Date of publication 21.03.2025
Pressemitteilung Internationaler Handel

Press Release: European Parliament of Enterprises

Economy calls for significant transformation in Brussels

Date of publication 05.11.2025
Pressemitteilung Internationaler Handel

DIHK calls for a new raw materials strategy

Additional sustainable instruments are required - aligned with the EU and international partners

Date of publication 22.12.2025
Portrait von Dr. Peter Kulitz
© ESTA
Interview Internationaler Handel

"Our reliability is valued worldwide"

Chairman of the DIHK Committee on Foreign Trade for four years, re-elected in April 2021: Dr. Peter Kulitz assesses the current global economic situation and shares the advice he gives his children.

Bagger hebt einen Brunnen aus
© Fahroni / Creative / Getty Images
Im Fokus Internationaler Handel

Rethinking Development Cooperation: Involving Companies More

Germany rarely utilises the potential of international cooperation: While other states closely link investments and trade with development cooperation, our foreign trade engagement remains fragmented. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) demands closer integration of business...