Sebastian Ahlstich
Research Assistant
Primary research areas
From Data to Better Trade Policy
My research aims to help policymakers and firms understand how Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) are utilized in practice, revealing challenges that affect their effectiveness. By combining quantitative data with firm-level insights, I identify how trade rules shape business decisions and where policies may fall short.
I regularly engage with both private sector actors and public institutions like EFTA and the EU to contribute evidence-based perspectives that support more targeted trade policies. Ultimately, my work aims to make trade agreements more accessible and inclusive, fostering economic growth and fairer trade.
I hold an MSc in Economics from Humboldt University of Berlin and bring prior experience from the financial sector as well as trade policy making at the European External Action Service.