85% of Asia-Pacific SMEs are confident in trade growth with Europe, according to a FedEx survey

 

The international business landscape is shown highly favorable for the trade corridor between Asia-Pacific (APAC) y EuropeAccording to a survey conducted by FedEx In September 2025, the 85% of SMEs in APAC have plans to start or expand your operations in the Old Continent during the next 12 to 24 months.

 

This high level of trust is based on the increased European demand, greater price competitiveness and the strategy of companies in diversify your markets to build a greater resilience in the face of the changing global business landscape. In fact, the 76 % of the APAC companies already reported a increase in their export volumes towards Europe last year, being United Kingdom (42%), Germany (40%) y France (38%) the main drivers of growth.

 

87% of European SMEs that trade with Asia-Pacific expect their trade balance to shift towards exports or remain at current levels

 

Reciprocal Perspectives and Challenges

 

Optimism is mutual. The 87% of European SMEs Those trading with APAC expect their trade balance to... shift towards exports or at least, maintain your current levels throughout 2026. This positive projection This reflects a broader trend, given that the Asia-Europe trade route has registered 30 consecutive months of growth until August 2025.

 

Among the APAC markets, China (55%) It is considered by European SMEs as the destination with better growth opportunities, followed by Japan (36%), Indian (26%) y South Korea (24%). The key factors Those cited to boost this trade include the strategic expansion, complete logistics solutions and the existence of favorable trade agreements.

 

Despite the enthusiasm, SMEs in both regions point to significant obstacles. 86% of APAC companies or with a 78% of European women indicate that the regulatory changes, complex customs procedures and global market volatility impact their ability to do business.

 

FedEx Europe President Wouter Roels emphasized the importance of addressing these concerns: “It is clear that the Europe-APAC trade corridor represents huge opportunities for SMEs in both regions. This study also confirms that factors such as support in the complexity of business and supply chain visibility are critics to reach the Maximum potential of the Europe-APAC corridor. With our physical networks and our vast amount of supply chain data, FedEx is ready to translate these opportunities into growth for our clients.”

 

Logistics and Digitalization: Keys to Expansion

 

To support the cross-border growth, the digital innovation and experience in foreign trade They are fundamental. A 41% of European SMEs or with a 30% of those in APAC demandan digital tools to improve the supply chain visibility, simplify shipments y reduce delivery timesFurthermore, the need to Most customs experience is requested by the 41% of European women and the 27% of those in APAC all with navigating changing regulations y minimize costs.

 

In response, FedEx has expanded its global network with the addition of five weekly flights between Asia and Europe, and has improved connectivity with Vietnam for reduce transit timeThese improvements allow FedEx to operate 26 weekly flights connecting express shipments to major destinations in just 48 hoursThe company also offers digital solutions such as Electronic Trade Documents all with streamline customs declarations and the FedEx SMB Hub with resources and guidelines for SMEs seeking to expand globally.

 

Spanish SMEs broaden their international horizons

 

The international trade of Spanish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is heavily anchored in Europe, while at the same time showing a growing interest in distant markets, especially in Asia-Pacific (APAC).

 

nine out of ten Spanish SMEs that participate in international trade do so within the European continent. This figure places Spain well above the European average. 77 %This underlines the strong integration of its SMEs with regional markets.

 

Expansion into distant markets

 

Spanish companies are also expanding their reach beyond Europe, with the following current market share percentages: USA: 48%; Latin America and the Caribbean: 44% and Asia-Pacific: 14 %

 

The potential of Asia-Pacific

 

Although current participation in APAC is 14 % (modestly), Spanish SMEs have identified several key countries in the region as main destinations for their future expansion: China: 53%; Japan: 41% and India: 26 %

 

Ian Silverton, Managing Director Ground Operations, Iberia, at FedEx Express, highlights the company's role in this expansion: “By offering our customers access to the largest global air network, which reaches more than 220 marketsFedEx is uniquely positioned to help Spanish SMEs scale internationally and take advantage of opportunities in high-potential regions.”