Entering new markets: The Rhineland-Palatinate foreign trade program

The 2026 foreign trade program for companies in Rhineland-Palatinate is finalized: delegation trips, trade fair participation, and specialist seminars on five continents are planned. A total of 20 measures are on the agenda, a third more than in 2025.

Rhineland-Palatinate's Minister of Economic Affairs, Daniela Schmitt, has presented the 2026 foreign trade program. With this annual program, the state is supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular as they enter new markets, which in turn also contributes to stability at home. The program comprises approximately 20 measures across five continents, including delegation trips, trade fair participation, and specialist seminars. According to the ministry, this represents about one-third more events than in 2025.

Specially for Craft businesses in the construction and interior finishing sector For example, a business trip to Luxembourg is planned for the end of August 2026. Companies from the sector of Metal processing and fabrication They could travel to Chicago in September for the "International Manufacturing Technology Show". A [event/activity] is already on the agenda for the first time in February. Business trip to Nigeria, the leading economic country in Africa. Companies from all sectors can participate here.

➡️To Annual program of foreign trade in Rhineland-Palatinate 2026 with calendar of events

The program will set thematic priorities in 2026.

• Innovation and digitalization, 
• Healthcare industry,
• Biotechnology,
• wine as well
• for the first time in the security and defense industry and the topic of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). 

The target regions include 

• North America,
• South and East Asia,
• Africa and
• Europe. 

The planned measures range from business trips to North America, Africa, and Asia to participation in trade fairs in Paris, Washington, and Dubai, as well as specialist seminars on topics such as AI and innovation or carbon capture and storage (CCS), according to the ministry. Schmitt: "Many companies want to grow internationally – but they need support, networks, and clear guidance. This program provides them with exactly that. So that our businesses remain strong tomorrow."

"From many conversations, I know how challenging the step into foreign markets is, especially for family-run businesses and craft enterprises. They know how important new markets are – but in their busy day-to-day operations, they often lack the time and resources to approach international opportunities in a structured way. This is precisely where we come in," adds Schmitt.

Practical support for companies

The program was developed in collaboration with partners from the business sector. Here are some comments:

Hans-Jörg Friese, spokesperson for the working group of chambers of crafts in Rhineland-Palatinate, refers to the accompanying advice provided by the chambers of crafts:

"With tailor-made specialist seminars, targeted business contacts and practical information, we support craft businesses in market research and entering the international market." 

Johannes Heger, President of the Rhineland-Palatinate State Association of Employers' Associations (LVU), welcomes the practical focus:

"As a strong export-oriented business location, Rhineland-Palatinate depends on reliable international framework conditions and active foreign trade promotion. The foreign trade program provides important impetus: It opens up new market opportunities for companies, strengthens their resilience in international competition, and increases the visibility of the region abroad. The measures are practically oriented and closely aligned with the needs of businesses. As the Rhineland-Palatinate Economic Development Corporation (LVU), we have been supporting this process for many years to ensure that our export-oriented economy finds optimal conditions worldwide."

Arne Rössel, The managing director of the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) emphasizes that companies can expand their export strength with the help of the network:

"We welcome the new measures taken by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The 'Together on Foreign Markets' 2026 program provides practical support that our companies need for successful entry into new markets. Together with the state, we as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) contribute our experience and network so that our businesses can maintain and further expand their export strength."

Source: Ministry of Economic Affairs Rhineland-Palatinate

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