Focus on the BIG picture.
Saturday, Mar 15, 2025
Outside the box.
Trump's Tariffs Loom Over Prominent German Trade Exhibition
Tariffs imposed by the U.S. President on Chinese products raise worries among exhibitors and purchasers at the largest design and housewares fair in Europe.
The recent tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Chinese goods have become a central topic of conversation among the tens of thousands of exhibitors and buyers at the largest design, housewares, gifts, holiday products, and electrical appliances exhibition in Europe, which wrapped up yesterday in Frankfurt, Germany.
Chinese exhibitors and buyers expressed notable concern, while Israeli exhibitors pointed out the benefits of Israel's trade agreements with the U.S. and Europe, expecting potential advantages for Israeli industry and commerce due to Trump's tariffs.
The 'Ambiente' exhibition, which was combined with 'Creativeworld' and 'Christmasworld,' is well-regarded for its prestige in design, crafts, and housewares in Europe and stands among the largest in the world.
Around 5,000 companies took part in the exhibition, occupying an area ten times larger than the Tel Aviv Fairgrounds, and drew over 150,000 buyers, including hundreds from Israel.
Organizers observed a marked interest from buyers in products that incorporate artificial intelligence technology.
American company Ninja, which achieved sales of four billion dollars this year, notably secured numerous agreements.
Thousands of buyers showed keen interest in their cooking appliances, grills, smart fryers, food processors, and various innovative products, many of which are now available in Israel.
Furthermore, large home ovens from a firm specializing in inventive kitchen tools, including pizza ovens and new kitchen gadgets, captured attention.
Products made from recycled plastics also received particular interest.
Curver, a Luxembourg-based company owned by Israel's Keter Group, showcased a wide array of practical plastic household items, from boxes and bowls to stylish trash bins with new designs.
Pinchas Dershowitz, CEO of Israeli company Paragon, which displayed advanced plastic products from Israel, told Ynet and 'Mamon' that Trump's tariffs are expected to favor Israeli industrial exports, describing the situation as 'good news for us.' A German exhibitor conveyed concern but also some optimism, stating, 'We already sense this will impact Chinese industry, and it will benefit Europe, as long as President Trump doesn’t impose new tariffs on the European Union.
What the U.S. decides regarding tariffs is already sparking significant changes in deal-making between manufacturers and buyers at this winter's exhibition.' Among the Israeli exhibitors this year, Sano made its debut, and despite registering at the last minute and having a relatively small booth in bright red, it drew interest with its cleaning products, resulting in deal closures.
Sano has gained popularity in several European countries, particularly Romania.
Israeli exhibitors noted that their products also caught the eye of buyers from Arab countries lacking formal ties to Israel, including Saudi Arabia.
'However, most are mainly interested, and a few conduct transactions with Israeli companies, purchasing products only through buyers from a third country,' they remarked.
All Israeli exhibitors highlighted the warm reception from the 'Ambiente' exhibition organizers and reported no incidents or hostility against Israel amidst the situation in Gaza.
'On the contrary, many expressed concern over the situation of the hostages recently returned to Israel and mentioned they are praying for the safe return of all hostages in the coming days.' On a somewhat somber note, a once-prominent sector at the vast exhibition—office supplies—seems to be dwindling.
Israeli exhibitors and buyers explained, 'In an age where everything is mobile and online, it's quite challenging to continue selling notebooks, markers, diaries, pens—except for luxury items, which remain fashionable—and only wall calendars continue to see success.' A Japanese exhibitor admitted, 'This is our last exhibition.
There is no longer a demand for pencils, erasers, and note holders.'
Chinese exhibitors and buyers expressed notable concern, while Israeli exhibitors pointed out the benefits of Israel's trade agreements with the U.S. and Europe, expecting potential advantages for Israeli industry and commerce due to Trump's tariffs.
The 'Ambiente' exhibition, which was combined with 'Creativeworld' and 'Christmasworld,' is well-regarded for its prestige in design, crafts, and housewares in Europe and stands among the largest in the world.
Around 5,000 companies took part in the exhibition, occupying an area ten times larger than the Tel Aviv Fairgrounds, and drew over 150,000 buyers, including hundreds from Israel.
Organizers observed a marked interest from buyers in products that incorporate artificial intelligence technology.
American company Ninja, which achieved sales of four billion dollars this year, notably secured numerous agreements.
Thousands of buyers showed keen interest in their cooking appliances, grills, smart fryers, food processors, and various innovative products, many of which are now available in Israel.
Furthermore, large home ovens from a firm specializing in inventive kitchen tools, including pizza ovens and new kitchen gadgets, captured attention.
Products made from recycled plastics also received particular interest.
Curver, a Luxembourg-based company owned by Israel's Keter Group, showcased a wide array of practical plastic household items, from boxes and bowls to stylish trash bins with new designs.
Pinchas Dershowitz, CEO of Israeli company Paragon, which displayed advanced plastic products from Israel, told Ynet and 'Mamon' that Trump's tariffs are expected to favor Israeli industrial exports, describing the situation as 'good news for us.' A German exhibitor conveyed concern but also some optimism, stating, 'We already sense this will impact Chinese industry, and it will benefit Europe, as long as President Trump doesn’t impose new tariffs on the European Union.
What the U.S. decides regarding tariffs is already sparking significant changes in deal-making between manufacturers and buyers at this winter's exhibition.' Among the Israeli exhibitors this year, Sano made its debut, and despite registering at the last minute and having a relatively small booth in bright red, it drew interest with its cleaning products, resulting in deal closures.
Sano has gained popularity in several European countries, particularly Romania.
Israeli exhibitors noted that their products also caught the eye of buyers from Arab countries lacking formal ties to Israel, including Saudi Arabia.
'However, most are mainly interested, and a few conduct transactions with Israeli companies, purchasing products only through buyers from a third country,' they remarked.
All Israeli exhibitors highlighted the warm reception from the 'Ambiente' exhibition organizers and reported no incidents or hostility against Israel amidst the situation in Gaza.
'On the contrary, many expressed concern over the situation of the hostages recently returned to Israel and mentioned they are praying for the safe return of all hostages in the coming days.' On a somewhat somber note, a once-prominent sector at the vast exhibition—office supplies—seems to be dwindling.
Israeli exhibitors and buyers explained, 'In an age where everything is mobile and online, it's quite challenging to continue selling notebooks, markers, diaries, pens—except for luxury items, which remain fashionable—and only wall calendars continue to see success.' A Japanese exhibitor admitted, 'This is our last exhibition.
There is no longer a demand for pencils, erasers, and note holders.'
