EXPORT AND E-COMMERCE
Spanish businesses are demonstrating increasing strength and ambition in the export sector, with figures exceeding €34.000 billion in April 2026, a 5,8% increase over the previous year. However, this momentum, while significant, often lacks the consistency and scalability needed to establish a solid global presence. For many SMEs, entering the international market is a challenge that goes beyond the quality of their products; it involves navigating the complexities of customs, adapting their e-commerce platforms, and, above all, overcoming the barrier of uncertainty. In this context, the role of a logistics partner becomes crucial. FedEx, one of the world's largest express delivery companies, positions itself as a strategic ally for businesses seeking to expand. Through its Small Business Resource Center, it offers solutions and guidance to facilitate cross-border logistics and access to new markets. We spoke with Teresa Martínez Meyers, Field Marketing Manager for Italy, Spain and Portugal at FedExTo analyze the current state of Spanish exports, the challenges of cross-border e-commerce, and the keys for SMEs to overcome their fear of internationalization and take advantage of opportunities in powerful markets such as Asia-Pacific.
According to the latest data, what is the state of exports in Spain?
Teresa Martínez MeyersI was looking at the latest data from the Ministry of Economy, from April 2026, and it showed exports of around €34.000 billion, representing a 5,8% increase compared to last year. In other words, growth remains very strong in both absolute and relative terms. And if we look at exporting companies, in recent months there have been around 41.000, which is a 0,7% year-on-year increase. That is to say, The Spanish market is very strong, it has a lot of quality and a lot of ambition..
From FedEx's perspective, what does the Spanish SME need to consolidate that growth?
TMMIf we look at it from FedEx's point of view, what can we tell you? Well, although there's that ambition and competitiveness, sometimes that drive, that decisiveness to do it, is lacking. constant and scalableThere are occasional exports, and we believe that often, with a little less fear and a good partner, a good PartnerThere could be greater continuity for the momentum we're seeing in the market. We have a lot of faith in Spanish SMEs, but we believe they can still take an even bigger leap.
In the field of e-commerce, Spanish consumers buy from abroad without problems, but is the Spanish entrepreneur equally prepared to sell abroad?
TMMThat's a very interesting point. Spanish consumers don't differentiate between local and international websites. They buy based on quality, price, and trust, and it's true that we feel very comfortable in that regard, but the reverse isn't true. In other words, Spanish business owners sometimes don't understand that for their websites to be truly international, they need several adjustments. languageadapt to the foreign exchange, all the tariff section It needs to be very clear; it needs to be integrated into the entire website from the very beginning. Of course, international returns... that part works well, but it could still work better so that businesses are on the same level playing field as Spanish online consumers. Even so, we have many examples of large Spanish companies using e-commerce to expand into other countries.
You mention the tariff aspect. Which markets with potential present the greatest customs challenges, and how can these be overcome?
TMMAsia-Pacific. Well, it's an incredible market, it has amazing potential. It's true that we always look at it from the import perspective, but exporting is a whole world waiting to be discovered. Spanish companies are highly valued, and I'm not just talking about the typical countries like China, Japan, or South Korea, but all of Southeast Asia, for example. Malaysia or SingaporeThese are areas that greatly appreciate our fashion. What is also called lifestyle, everything related to accessories, pharma, cosmetics, beautySome key manufacturing components are needed so that assembly can then take place there. There's a huge demand, and this is a very important path that we believe is necessary. Obviously, you need to be very familiar with customs procedures.
What basic aspects should a company control in customs management to export to Asia?
TMMAnd they're basically things, really. It's just common sense. HS codeThe customs system used by the WCO (World Customs Organization) in 200 countries uses a six-digit code. These six digits are crucial; even a small error can have serious consequences. Therefore, our recommendation is: Don't be afraid of AsiaIt's a market with enormous potential, highly valued. Spanish goods are extremely attractive, but go with a good partner who understands customs very well, someone you can rely on, and take the plunge.
What kind of support do companies that approach FedEx to internationalize demand?
TMMIt's very diverse. We have very confident exporting companies and we have small businesses that want to take the plunge. So, there are those who ask us for something practical. They don't want us talking about very corporate topics; what they need are very pragmatic things. That's why, of the five webinars we already have, within a series called FedEx Field Effect and who are also self-service —that is, if you haven't been able to see them live, you can download them and watch them at your own pace—, the most important thing is that some include checklist, examples, points to discussThey want clarity. Why? Because right now there's an unpredictable aspect, as we know, the whole geopolitical situation, the volatility, the changes happening at an incredible speed. But there's another aspect, the customs and regulatory side, that you can control and that you need to have very clearly explained. So, what are they asking of us? Support and, above all, simplicityAnd that's what webinars are great for.
For a small business that has never exported, what would be the first steps to take?
TMMThe first thing is that, if you know your product very well, you have your SWOT analysis, your weaknesses, you can perfectly choose one or two markets where it is appreciated, where there is already a market or where you see that you can create that market. Choose selectivelyDon't go for everything. I think I would start with one or two markets where you feel comfortable. I've repeated myself, but find a partner you trust, someone who can help you. And then, testSometimes it's true that it's very complex, but sometimes the insecurity it creates is worse than the act of starting. There are countless companies exporting these days, everywhere. Choose a product from your catalog, choose one or two markets, find a Partner Get advice. You don't have to know everything about customs, you don't have to know everything about transportation. Choose a good travel companion and give it a try.
Finally, what three key factors will define the future of logistics and exporting?
TMMI'll summarize three points for you. The first is the dataIt's fundamental. We're talking about artificial intelligence, but a behemoth like FedEx currently generates 12 petabytes of information per day. This incredible amount of data—what's being shipped, where it's being shipped, where the supply chain stops—moves us from one... track and trace to a action and reactIt allows you to be much more proactive, anticipating not only things like the weather or customs delays, but also demand; it lets you know the seasonality. The use of data is very important. Then, of course, the simplicityDon't overload yourself with information. Use what you want wisely and choose more simply. And then, the resilienceThe changes are happening so fast, black swans are appearing, we don't know where the next changes will come from. You have to be resilient, you have to go with the flow, you have to adapt. Now we're already moving at a breakneck speed. fast forwardSo, be prepared to adapt to market changes.
Key Questions and Answers
What is FedEx's main advice for a small business that wants to start exporting?
The main advice is to start selectively. Choose one or two markets, select a specific product from the catalog, and, crucially, find a reliable logistics partner who can advise you throughout the entire process, especially regarding customs and transportation.
What opportunities does the Asia-Pacific market offer for Spanish companies?
The Asia-Pacific region is a market with enormous potential for Spanish exports, beyond just imports. Countries like Malaysia and Singapore highly value fashion, lifestyle, accessories, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products. The key to accessing this market is having a partner with expertise in customs management.
How does FedEx transfer its export experience to SMEs?
For companies seeking effective internationalization solutions, one of FedEx's most powerful connection tools is its strategic webinarsDesigned by the company's own logistics and sales experts, these virtual meetings act as a compass to guide SMEs through the complex labyrinth of exporting. Through this technical know-howFedEx provides the necessary keys for businesses to improve their international positioning and successfully face the opening of new markets.
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