What are the business benefits of preferential agreements and the transatlantic trade partnership TTIP?

The European Union has trade agreements with many countries. But what is the relevance of such agreements in every day business? What are the efforts associated with these? What effect on their business should managers expect from the transatlantic trade agreement TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership), and how do they prepare their logistics for it? The research study “Global Trade Management Agenda” by AEB and the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW Stuttgart)  is looking into these – and other – questions. The survey can be accessed until 19^th September 2014,  and representatives from business and industry are invited to take part.

In focus: Preferential agreements and trade agreements

In particular the topic TTIP is currently the cause of much controversy. At the centre of the debate are the economic benefits on the one hand and consumer protection issues on the other – as the prominent example “chlorinated chickens” demonstrated. But how do companies in the UK and Europe assess this treaty?

“With our research study we aim to shed some light on these aspects and include them in ongoing discussions on the topic”, explained Professor Dr. Dirk H. Hartel of DHBW Stuttgart, Germany. “We will also assess the general advantages of preferential trade agreements and identify the stumbling blocks for their application”, added Dr. Ulrich Lison, foreign trade expert at AEB. Another core theme: upcoming global trade management agendas. What are the top priorities in foreign trade and logistics in 2015? How important are goals such as cost reduction, legal compliance or shorter lead times? And how well do companies consider themselves prepared?

Supply chain experts, heads of logistics and those responsible for customs and exports can submit their answers by 19^th September 2014, regardless of company size or industry. Each participant will receive a copy of the survey results, which are expected to be published at the end of 2014. Participants can also win various prizes, including a smartphone mini-beamer and compliance awareness posters.

The research series: Global Trade Management Agenda

The series of studies titled “Global Trade Management Agenda” is a cooperative project between AEB and the degree course “Business Administration / Service Management / Logistics Management”, taught by Prof. Dr. Hartel of  Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) in Stuttgart, Germany. These research studies aim to examine upcoming foreign trade and logistics trends on an annual basis, including the analysis of a new focus topic each year. The first study, published at the end of 2013, highlighted risk management in the supply chain and focused on Germany, Switzerland and Austria. This year’s study focuses on the transatlantic trade agreement TTIP between the EU and the US.