FedEx: 76% of SMEs in the Asia-Pacific region are working to boost their exports to Europe

• Trade between the Asia-Pacific region and Europe is accelerating: 76% of SMEs in the Asia-Pacific region reported an increase in the volume of their exports to Europe over the past year; 87% of European SMEs expect to increase or maintain their exports to the Asia-Pacific region in 2026.

• Top European markets for Asia-Pacific companies: The UK, Germany and France are driving the growth of SMEs from the Asia-Pacific region.

• China, Japan, India and South Korea are considered the highest growth markets by European SMEs, driven by favorable trade agreements and logistics capabilities.

Federal Express Corporation has revealed insights from a new survey examining trade corridor trends between the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and Europe, highlighting key enablers and barriers to cross-border trade.

The survey was conducted in September 2025 and included more than 1,200 SMEs in nine European markets, and 850 SMEs in 13 markets in the Asia-Pacific region. It explored the business sentiment, readiness and challenges of cross-border expansion – both for Asia-Pacific companies entering Europe and for European companies trading internationally and pursuing opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.

The survey results reveal a significant increase in European trade between SMEs in the Asia-Pacific region, with 76% of respondents reporting an increase in the volume of exports over the past year. The UK (42%), Germany (40%) and France (38%) emerged as the top three markets driving business growth.

Confidence is equally strong among European SMEs dealing with the Asia-Pacific region, with 87 per cent of companies expecting to shift their trade balance in 2026 towards exports or maintain current levels. This mutual optimism is consistent with broader market trends. The Asia-Europe trade corridor has recorded 30 consecutive months of growth as of August 2025, demonstrating notable momentum along this vital trade corridor for businesses of all sizes.

Opportunities and challenges of expansion in the Asia-Pacific region

Confidence in European markets is high among SMEs in the Asia-Pacific region, with 85% planning to start or expand trading within the next 12 to 24 months. These growth forecasts were driven by growing European demand, improved price competitiveness, and the need to diversify the market strategy to build greater resilience in the changing trading landscape.

In Europe, Turkish SMEs doing international trade have the highest proportion of their customers in the Asia-Pacific region, with more than one in ten (12%) coming from this region. They are followed by SMEs in Belgium (8.5%), the Netherlands (7.6%), France (7%), Italy (5.7%), Poland (5%), Germany (4.4%), the United Kingdom (4.3%) and Spain (3.6%).

Looking to 2026, China (55%) is viewed as the Asia-Pacific market offering the best growth opportunities for European SMEs, followed by Japan (36%), India (26%) and South Korea (24%). Strategic expansion prospects, comprehensive logistics solutions and favorable trade agreements are cited as critical factors supporting increased trade with the Asia-Pacific region.

To better support customer growth, FedEx expanded its global network by adding five weekly flights connecting Asia to Europe this month. In addition, FedEx has enhanced connectivity between Vietnam and Europe, increasing transportation time by one day. With increased flights between the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, FedEx now operates 26 weekly flights connecting European shipments to the Asia-Pacific region, delivering express shipments to key destinations in less than 48 hours. In the Asia Pacific region, companies benefit from the company’s vast capabilities, with four regional centers serving 44 countries and regions, supported by more than 28,000 team members.

Outside of the Asia-Pacific region, the United States (48%) and the Middle East (34%) are the most important intercontinental regions with which SMEs in Europe trade. The UK was the largest European market traded with the US, while Türkiye was the Middle East and Asia-Pacific region.

Despite the enthusiasm for cross-border expansion, challenges remain. Regulatory shifts, complex customs procedures and global market fluctuations emerged as key concerns, with 86% of Asia-Pacific SMEs and 78% of European SMEs reporting that these factors impact their ability to do business.

“It is clear that the Europe-Asia-Pacific trade corridor represents huge opportunities for SMEs in both regions,” says Wouter Rolz, European President, FedEx. “This study also confirms that factors such as support across trade complexity and supply chain visibility are critical to realizing the full potential of the Europe-Asia-Pacific corridor. Through our physical networks and vast amount of supply chain data, FedEx is poised to translate these opportunities into growth for our customers.”

Digital innovation and business expertise are essential for the growth of cross-border trade

As SMEs look to expand across borders, 30% of businesses in Asia Pacific and 41% of European businesses are demanding innovative digital tools to improve supply chain visibility, simplify shipping, and reduce delivery times. Meanwhile, 27% of Asia-Pacific SMEs and 41% of European SMEs are also seeking greater customs expertise to deal with changing regulations, avoid delays, and manage costs effectively.

FedEx is stepping up to meet customers’ evolving needs with an expanded portfolio of intelligent digital solutions and specialized commerce expertise designed to simplify cross-border trade. Its clearance and compliance teams help companies navigate complex regulations – including through customer webinars – to avoid customs delays and reduce unexpected costs. Through tools such as e-commerce documents, customers can simplify customs declarations by uploading documents digitally to ensure timely delivery.

To continue supporting European SMEs to expand their global presence,… FedEx Center for Small and Medium Enterprises Provides multimedia resources, business guidelines, and local market insights – equipping businesses with the knowledge and tools to expand and compete confidently across borders.