The AVE


The Cologne-based Außenhandelsvereinigung des Deutschen Einzelhandels e.V. (AVE) is the Foreign Trade Association of the German Retail Trade which was created in 1952.

Since then it represents the foreign trade interests of the German Retail Trade which, within the scope of its worldwide buying policy, depends on smooth imports of consumer goods of all kinds and which continues to increase its international trade activities within the framework of globalisation.

The AVE stands up for a liberal-minded trade policy of the European Union and fights against all protectionist tendencies within the EU and on the international level. It pleads for a liberal development of the international trading system and a strengthening of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The AVE informs its members comprehensively on trade policy issues and issues dealing with the practice of foreign trade.

Moreover, the Member firms can ask for concrete support as concerns the solution of problems in connection with customs and procedures, in anti-dumping procedures and other restrictions of trade which have to be overcome.