CITHA is the umbrella organisation of European foreign trade and is based in Brussels. It represents the interests of the industry in the European Union vis-à-vis politicians, authorities, the media and civil society.
March, 6th 2026
The European Confederation of International Trading Houses Associations (CITHA) and the Cyprus International Business Association (CIBA) are pleased to announce that CIBA has officially joined the CITHA network, strengthening cooperation between European international trading houses and globally oriented business communities.
Cyprus has a long-standing tradition as a centre of international business and a strategic gateway connecting Europe with the Middle East and other global markets.
The addition of CIBA further enhances the diversity and strength of the CITHA network.
At a time when global trade faces geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty, closer cooperation among European trade associations is essential. Open markets, trusted partnerships, and resilient companies remain fundamental pillars for sustainable growth and prosperity.
CIBA’s membership will contribute to strengthening the European international trade ecosystem through active collaboration, exchange of expertise and joint initiativesthat promote competitiveness and global connectivity.
Jan Krückemeyer, President of CITHA, and Vassilios Demetriades, President of CIBA, jointly stated:
“CIBA’s accession to CITHA reflects our shared commitment to strengthening international trade cooperation in Europe. By working together, we aim to support businessesthat operate across borders, foster resilient trade networks, and reinforce Europe’s role in the global economy.”
Together we trade. Together we stand.
December, 2nd 2025
We are delighted to announce that Hrvatski izvoznici / Croatian Exporters has officially joined CITHA.
On behalf of CITHA I warmly welcome the association and its member companies to our European network.
Croatian Exporters stand for entrepreneurship, resilience, and strong international orientation — values that align perfectly with our mission. We look forward to a close and trust-based cooperation, joint initiatives and a strong exchange of knowledge and experience, contributing together to a more competitive and connected European export community.
In 1956 a small group of International Trading Houses (ITH) in Scandinavia took the initiative of gathering once a year in order to exchange information on the issues of their activities abroad and decide on steps to be taken jointly when unfair measures or decrees by foreign Governments were causing them prejudice. This group was then called the Stockholm Club, which was soon joined by German and Dutch establishments specializing in international and overseas trade.
In 1971 during the annual meeting in Milan (the club had grown to 10 members) the founding of a formal body was decided with own statutes and an adequate denomination. There CITHA – the Confederation of International Trading Houses Associations – was born as an umbrella organization of the various national associations being its members.
Today CITHA has 9 Regular and affiliated members viz. Austria, Germany, France, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom. In 2005 CITHA slightly changed its name into European Confederation of International Trading Houses Associations and became an NGO registered in Brussels by decree of the Ministry of Justice and as such is recognized by important international institutions like the World Bank, IMF, UNCTAD, OECD, WTO, EU Commission, etc.
Confederation of International Trading Houses Associations (CITHA)
Headquarters:
Avenue des Nerviens 85, 3rd floor, B-1040
Brussels/Belgium
Please contact CITHA in Germany via
Confederation of International Trading
Houses Associations (CITHA)
c/o BDEx
Am Weidendamm 1A
10117 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 30 72 62 57 93
Fax: +49 30 72 62 57 94
E-Mail: info@citha.eu