Samenvatting

This thesis examines how German producers of whey powder can safeguard their exports to China against disruptions in the global supply chain. Based on literature, trade data and four in-depth interviews, it concludes that price fluctuations are less decisive than political, logistical and pandemic shocks for export volume. Historical events such as COVID-19, Russian embargoes and container shortages illustrate the vulnerability of unilateral market orientation. Trend and regression analyses nevertheless show a moderate increase in monthly exports (≈ 15 tonnes) but with wide confidence intervals, indicating continued volatility. The study advises German (especially SME) companies to integrate market differentiation, contract flexibility and proactive risk assessment to build resilience in a politically sensitive Chinese market.