IPD present plantation teak, Guadua bamboo and classic wood-based materials from IPD partner countries
Bonn/Berlin, April 14, 2021 - The Import Promotion Desk (IPD) will be presenting a wide range of wood products from sustainable forestry at interzum, which this year will be held virtually from May 4 to 7. The import promotion initiative will accompany producers of plantation-grown teak and Guadua bamboo from Ecuador and Colombia, as well as Ukrainian exporters of high-quality table tops made from reclaimed oak and moulded beech wood components to this year's leading international trade fair for furniture manufacturing and interior design. "The IPD's aim is to present a diverse range of high-quality wood products and, above all, special timber species to the timber trade in Europe," says Frank Maul, expert for sourcing and markets at the IPD. "In this context, the legal and sustainable origin of the woods is a basic requirement of our commitment."

Import Promotion Desk supports companies with virtual fairs and B2B meetings

Bonn/Berlin, 24.11.2020 – The corona pandemic poses challenges for companies worldwide: contact restrictions make international trade relations and the search for new products and reliable suppliers more difficult. Many of the international trade fairs that serve as important contact exchanges have been postponed. Import Promotion Desk (IPD), the import promotion initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has developed a variety of online services to continue its work. In virtual meetings and trade fairs, IPD experts support German and European companies in opening up new supply markets and connect them with selected producers from developing countries and emerging nations.

Import Promotion Desk presents high-quality light-weight wood products from Indonesia at interzum 2019 in Cologne

Bonn/Berlin, 03.04.2019 – High-quality timber products from Indonesian light-weight wood will be presented at this year’s interzum. Exhibitors from Indonesia will bring a wide variety of plywood, block board and panels made from Balsa, Jabon and Albasia to the world-leading trade fair for furniture production and interior design, held from May 20th to 23rd in Cologne. Tests by the Development- and Test Laboratory Wood Technology Ltd. (EPH) in Dresden prove: the typical light-weight wood species from Indonesia are an interesting alternative to classical wood products. The Import Promotion Desk (IPD), the German partner for import promotion, supports four Indonesian producers at the interzum and presents the special quality of Indonesian light wood products (Hall 4.2./Booth A070 B071).

Tropical timber doors and frames are a popular product group in Germany and can provide opportunities to exporters in developing countries. Despite the economic downturn, doors and frames that incorporate added value through sustainability certification, unique design and competitive pricing, will be a top consumer preference.

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Bamboo has been increasingly used as a substitute for tropical timber in the European market. Value-added bamboo products are becoming popular due to their characteristics of durability and strength, which resemble the qualities of tropical wood, while providing a more sustainable alternative. The European market offers great opportunities to exporters from developing countries and it is recommended that they focus on competitive prices and sustainability certifications.

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Despite the economic recession, the German market for tropical timber decking remains stable, providing great opportunities for exporters in developing countries (DCs). Exporters need to be innovative and promote the natural features of their product, especially as the legal requirements implemented are complicating imports of tropical timber in Europe. Nevertheless, tropical timber decking is popular among German consumers who appreciate its aesthetic and durability features.

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The UK is a very important EU market for certified tropical timber garden furniture, providing several opportunities for exporters in developing countries (DCs). In order to optimise such opportunities, obtaining sustainability certifications and engaging in long-term relationships with your buyers in the UK is essential. Additionally, with the constrained supply of currently popular species, such as Teak and Mahogany, future prospects lie in marketing the beneficial properties of lesser known, alternative tropical timber species.

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Characteristics and benefits

A survey conducted among business leaders in Germany revealed that 86% of all of them consider trade fairs as one of the most important tools in the sourcing and procurement process.1 For a simple reason: business is done between humans. People want to meet each other, see each other and get to know each other. Especially in a world that is characterised by growing digitalisation, real-life experiences make the difference.

Participation at a foreign trade fair is a not all that difficult. However, it requires good planning and meticulous execution. Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), planning a participation at a foreign trade fair may be a daunting task.
This guide is intended to help SMEs approach this task successfully.