You can do it too: How I import dried food from Asia to Germany?

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Born Global Meetup Leipzig - International founders Have you ever discovered a great product abroad or your home-country and thought: **“Could I actually sell this in Germany?”** The answer might be yes, but importing is about much more than finding a product and arranging shipping. For our next **Born Global Talks**, we welcome **Trúc Phan**, Managing Director of **VietNatur**, who will take us behind the scenes of her own entrepreneurial journey importing dried food from Asia to Germany. Rather than focusing on theory, Trúc will share what she has learned from doing it herself, from placing her first import order to completing several shipments and opening her own store in Leipzig in a relatively short period. **What will be covered?** Using real examples from VietNatur, Trúc will walk us through the import journey **from idea to market**, including: * How to identify the right products, customers and sales channels * What you need to become an importer in Germany * How to select and work with suppliers in Asia * Customs, documentation and product compliance in Germany * Freight, duties, handling and the real landed cost of imported products * Common mistakes and lessons learned along the way And the numbers may surprise you: in VietNatur’s first three shipments, **52% of the total cost came from expenses beyond the purchase price**, including freight, duties, import VAT, handling and transport to the warehouse. Trúc will also share a practical **10-step import process**, covering everything from understanding your customer and selecting suppliers to customs, storage and finally selling the product. **Meet our guest:** **Trúc Phan** is the Managing Director of **VietNatur** in Leipzig. Drawing directly from her own entrepreneurial experience, she will share the successes, challenges and unexpected lessons of building an import business between Asia and Germany. This is a founder story with a difference: as she will share her practical experience, real numbers and lessons/insights you can use yourself. **Who should join?** This session is particularly relevant for international and German students, aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage founders, and anyone interested in import/export, international trade, food businesses or starting a business in Germany. No previous import experience required. **After the presentation, there will be plenty of time for Q&A, discussion and networking.** Thinking about bringing products from your home country or another international market to Germany? Come and learn what the journey really looks like from someone who has done it. Come alone or bring your friends with you.