Ian Silverton, Managing Director Ground Operations FedEx Iberia, projects a strategic acceleration of SME exports by 2026 España towards long-distance markets such as EE.UU. y Asia-PacíficoThe company will prioritize simplifying customs barriers and optimizing logistics costs to facilitate global access.
Global trade flows are in full evolution and, according to the logistics company's analysis, there is a renewed focus on growth driven by exports. Silverton It highlights the level of sophistication achieved by national companies: "They're not just exporting products; they're localizing their websites, adapting their products, and creating experiences for different markets.".
Strategic expansion and the rise of cross-border e-commerce
The internationalization of Spanish companies has ceased to be a short-term trend and has become a structural strategic changeSmall and medium-sized enterprises are expanding their reach beyond the traditional boundaries of the UE, focusing on regions such as América Latina, Caribe and the region Asia-Pacífico.
This momentum is supported by the most recent data from FedExwhich point to cross-border e-commerce as the driver of sales expectations. Brands of España They have perfected their use of the major milestones of digital consumption:
- They have integrated events such as the Día del Soltero, Black Friday y Cyber Monday in its global strategy.
- They use these seasonal peaks as leverage for the Acquisition of new international clients throughout the year.
Outlook and Key Markets for 2026 according to FedEx
Area of Focus: Strategic Details Target Markets EE.UU., América Latina, Caribe y Asia-Pacífico. SME Profile Sophisticated: locates websites and adapts products to the target culture. Input Channel Cross-border e-commerce and global online shopping events.
Operational challenges: Costs and Customs
Despite the prevailing optimism, the executive of FedEx Iberia It warns about the "current friction" in global trade. The company's data reveals that the main concerns across all sectors remain the high logistics costs and the complexity of the customs regulations.
The problem lies not in the demand, which remains active, but in the operational challenge. "The challenge is the operational headache of bringing products to market quickly and profitably.", Said SilvertonTo navigate a tighter economic environment without losing competitiveness, companies are demanding smarter supply chains and streamlined processes.
Goal 2026: Demystify international trade
Given this scenario, the priority of FedEx The new year can be summarized in the concept: "demystifying trade"The strategy focuses on tackling complexity, considered one of the biggest barriers to business growth.
To achieve this, the company has strengthened its infrastructure and technology:
- Air connectivity: Addition of flights between Asia y Europa.
- Digitization: Deployment of tools such as FedEx Surround y FedEx Electronic Trade Documents.
The ultimate goal is to allow companies to focus on selling the product, delegating logistics management and customs stress to the operator, guaranteeing more direct access to key markets.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the 2026 Projections
What is the strategic priority of FedEx by 2026?
Its main objective is to "demystify trade" for its customers, reducing the complexity of international processes and offering solutions that make trade easier, faster and more predictable.
What barriers worry Spanish companies the most?
According to Ian SilvertonThe biggest obstacles are not related to demand, but are operational: high logistics costs and the difficulty of managing customs regulations in different markets.
Which markets are SMEs expanding into?
Spanish SMEs are looking beyond the UE, with accelerated expansion into distant markets such as EE.UU., América Latina and the region Asia-Pacífico.