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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Außenwirtschaftsausschuss im September 2024

Foreign Trade Committee

The DIHK Foreign Trade Committee monitors key developments in international economic and trade policy and incorporates company perspectives into political consultation.

Eisenbahnbrücke bei Kiew, Ukraine

Economic situation in Ukraine – opportunities for private sector

German companies are showing significant interest in Ukraine but remain cautious due to the uncertain security situation and unclear short- to mid-term developments. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) outlines opportunities and challenges in an impulse paper.

Melnikov, Selenskyi und Merz beim 8. Deutsch-Ukrainischen Wirtschaftsforum

German-Ukrainian Business Forum focuses on resilience and partnership

500 guests from business and politics, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, met at the 8th German-Ukrainian Business Forum in mid-October 2025 in Berlin.

Klemens Kober (2.v.r.) beim rbb24 Inforadio

Ten Years since the Brexit Referendum: "A Clear Lose-Lose Situation"

Brexit has harmed trade and investments on both sides of the English Channel – as highlighted by Klemens Kober, responsible for trade policy, transatlantic relations, and EU customs issues at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) in Brussels, during a debate on rbb24 Inforadio.

Reaktion von Volker Treier

Open Markets and Secure Supply Chains Must Be Prioritised

At the start of the G7-Summit in Evian, France, on June 15, DIHK Chief of Foreign Trade Volker Treier comments.

Date of publication 15.06.2026
DIHK-Präsident Peter Adrian

Europe's Competitiveness Must Regain Priority

Statement by DIHK President Peter Adrian in preparation for the European Council meeting on June 18/19, 2026

Date of publication 17.06.2026
Cluster 6

Foreign Trade and the European Single Market

How can open markets, fair competitive conditions, and a strong European Single Market be ensured? In Cluster 6 of the Economic Policy Positions, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) outlines the external economic conditions companies need to operate internationally successfully...

Date of publication 13.11.2024
Frachtschiffe im Hafen Hongkong

Foreign Trade Report 2025: Trends in International Trade

The DIHK Foreign Trade Report 2025 demonstrates: Businesses face pressure in international markets – from new trade rules to geopolitical risks. At the same time, digital Chamber of Commerce and Industry services are booming as never before.

Date of publication 21.03.2025
Peter Adrian_Reaktion

DIHK President Peter Adrian on the EU Compass for Competitiveness

"Boost for Europe in the global race necessary"

Date of publication 29.01.2025
Europa vernetzt

Global Gateway: Strategien für die Mobilisierung des Privatsektors

The DIHK proposes strategies to mobilise private investments through the EU initiative Global Gateway.

Reaktion von Volker Treier

Export economy continues to decline, but industrial production stabilizes

DIHK Foreign Trade Chief Volker Treier on the production and export figures for November 2025

Date of publication 02.06.2026
Mann im Haus der Deutschen Wirtschaft

"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...

DIHK-Präsident Peter Adrian

"A Blow to the Stomach"

German Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Peter Adrian on the European Parliament's decision regarding the Mercosur Agreement

Date of publication 21.01.2026
Geschäftsleute überqueren Straße in Manhattan

USA in the 'New Normal' – Impacts of Trade Policy

After turbulent months, the sentiment of German businesses in the USA is stabilising. A special analysis by the DIHK on the AHK World Business Outlook Autumn 2025 reveals: High tariffs and industrial policy directives remain the greatest challenges for German businesses in the USA.

Date of publication 10.12.2025

DIHK Special Analysis: EU-US Trade Policy

EU-US Trade Policy: Companies demand a clear, pro-European course for further negotiations

Date of publication 27.08.2025