trading partner
Loading your saved state.
trading partner
A country, company, or person with which regular trade relations exist. It refers to the other party in a commercial transaction.
China ist für Deutschland einer der wichtigsten Handelspartner.
China is one of Germany's most important trading partners.
'Handelspartner' (trading partner) is made up of 'der Handel' (trade), the linking element '-s-', and 'der Partner' (partner). So it is literally a partner in trade.
Die USA sind ein wichtiger Handelspartner für die Europäische Union.
The USA is an important trading partner for the European Union.
This word is mostly used in economic or political contexts. Common adjectives before it are 'wichtig' (important), 'groß' (large/major), 'zuverlässig' (reliable), or 'strategisch' (strategic).
Das Unternehmen sucht neue, zuverlässige Handelspartner in Asien.
The company is looking for new, reliable trading partners in Asia.
To describe the relationship, the preposition 'für' (+ accusative) or the genitive is often used. Both express whose partner it is.
Für unsere Firma ist dieser Lieferant ein zentraler Handelspartner.
For our company, this supplier is a key trading partner.
customer
'Kunde' and 'Handelspartner' can both be people or companies in a business contact. 'Kunde' means the side that buys something or uses a service. 'Handelspartner' is more general and emphasizes the business relationship between two sides. A 'Handelspartner' can buy, sell, or trade regularly with a company. The words can be confused when talking about companies. If you mean the buyer side, 'Kunde' is clearer. If you mean cooperation in trade, 'Handelspartner' fits better.
Nach der Nachricht bespreche ich den Vertrag mit unserem Handelspartner.
After the message, I discuss the contract with our trading partner.
Nach der Arbeit ruft der Mitarbeiter einen Kunden zurück.
After work, the employee calls a customer back.