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Se­basti­an Ahl­stich

Research Assistant

Subjects
International economics Trade Trade agreements EU Quantitative methods Internationalisation

Primary research areas

Preferential Trade Agreements

I study how and why firms make use of Preferential Trade Agreements, uncovering the drivers of uptake and their impact on trade.

Goods’ Classification in International Trade

I examine how firms classify their goods in international trade, and how this shapes tariffs, compliance, and trade flows.

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.

Recent research projects

PhD-Project

The project “Beneficial but Imperfectly Used – On the Utilization of Trade Agreements” explores how firms use trade agreements and identifies institutional barriers limiting their potential.

Innoexplorer – Accessible Trade Agreements

The "Unlocking the Potential of Preferential Trade Agreements" project, funded by Innovationsfonden, develops new tools that allow firms to make the most of trade agreements.

Outside activities

I have no outside employments or activities