FedEx Corp. released its 2025 FedEx Small Business Trade Index, offering insights on how U.S. small- and medium-sized business (SMB) leaders view global trade. Conducted by Morning Consult from March 25 to 31, 2025, the survey reveals that 95% of the respondents see global trade as beneficial for economic growth, business expansion, and innovation. The survey shows strong engagement in global markets, with 61% of the SMB leaders exporting goods and 76% importing products to create domestically.
Despite facing challenges like high fees, taxes, and regulatory complexities, a vast majority of SMB leaders maintain positive views on global trade. According to the survey, 89% believe trade is crucial for U.S. economic growth and 78% feel that increased trade benefits their businesses. When compared to a decade ago, 85% express more support for global trade today, indicating a growing trend since the launch of the survey in 2016.
Dana Donofree, Founder and CEO of Pennsylvania-based AnaOno, stated, “Global trade has opened doors for our business that simply didn’t exist a decade ago. Tariffs and supply chain shifts have created real challenges, impacting our ability to provide products for our customers. Trade isn’t just part of our strategy—it’s central to our business.” A significant 73% of the U.S. small- and medium-sized business leaders see tariffs as a significant barrier in international business.
FedEx conducts the Small Business Trade Index regularly to understand trade’s impact on U.S. SMBs. FedEx operates the world’s most extensive transportation network, moving over 17 million packages daily and connecting businesses across more than 220 countries and territories.
The full findings of the 2025 FedEx Small Business Trade Index are available in the complete report.
For more information about the company’s support for global trade, visit fedex.com/trade.
