On October 15 and 16, 2025, the 15th Foreign Trade Theme Day took place in Cologne. The topic was current developments and innovations in the field of foreign trade.

Professor Wolffgang moderated this year’s event, welcomed the participants, and led a discussion on current trade conflicts and their consequences. In his introductory speech, he honored two anniversaries: the 15th Foreign Trade Theme Day and the 30th anniversary of the trade journal AW-Prax. Both formats are closely linked and are established fixtures in customs and foreign trade issues. AW-Prax was first published in 1995 in response to the rapid development of globalization and has since provided expert and practical information for everyone involved in foreign trade.

Professor Wolffgang then outlines the development of international customs and trade policy since the journal was first published. The 1990s were marked by a spirit of optimism and globalization, with the establishment of the World Trade Organization and the deepening of the EU single market as key steps toward the goal of international free trade. However, after the attacks of September 11, 2001, the focus shifted. Security aspects and control mechanisms gained in importance and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) was born.

In recent years, export control has reached unprecedented levels. In addition to the harmonization of dual-use goods, controls on military equipment and technology have also increased significantly. The multitude of embargo and sanction regulations makes it almost impossible to keep track of everything. At the same time, international trade law is constantly evolving under the influence of the enormous increase in trade, the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the growth of the transport market. Legal requirements on sustainability in particular pose challenges and pitfalls for companies.

Professor Wolffgang also emphasized the shift in global economic power. The declining unilateral importance of the US and the increasing economic significance of emerging markets are currently creating new challenges. The most obvious example of the declining economic importance of the “West” is China, which is on its way to dominance. Erratic customs and trade policies are accelerating this process.

Finally, Professor Wolffgang gives an outlook for the future. AW-Prax identified key trends early on, such as China’s rise, the opening up of new shipping routes, and the EU’s shift toward the Trans-Pacific region, and will continue to do so in the future. In addition to practical guidance, readers will continue to be offered in-depth and analytical articles for strategic action.

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