FedEx has released the results of a new survey highlighting trends in trade between Asia Pacific (APAC) and Europe, focusing on small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). The survey, conducted in September 2025, included responses from over 1,200 SMEs across nine European countries and 850 SMEs across 13 APAC markets. It examined business sentiment, readiness for cross-border expansion, and challenges faced by firms trading internationally.
According to the findings, 76% of APAC SMEs reported increased export volumes to Europe over the past year. The United Kingdom, Germany, and France were identified as the leading European markets contributing to this growth. On the European side, 87% of SMEs expect their trade balance with APAC to either increase or remain steady in 2026. This positive outlook is consistent with broader market patterns; as of August 2025, the Asia–Europe trade lane had experienced 30 consecutive months of growth.
The survey also found that confidence among APAC SMEs remains high, with 85% planning to start or expand trade with Europe within the next two years. This optimism is attributed to growing demand from Europe, improved price competitiveness, and a need for diversified market strategies. Turkish SMEs lead European countries in terms of customer base in APAC at 12%, followed by Belgium (8.5%), the Netherlands (7.6%), France (7%), Italy (5.7%), Poland (5%), Germany (4.4%), the UK (4.3%), and Spain (3.6%).
Looking ahead to 2026, China is seen by European SMEs as offering the most significant growth opportunities among APAC markets at 55%, followed by Japan at 36%, India at 26%, and South Korea at 24%. Factors such as strategic expansion prospects, comprehensive logistics solutions, and favorable trade agreements are considered important for increasing trade activity.
To address customer needs and support further growth, FedEx has expanded its global network this month by adding five weekly flights connecting Asia to Europe. The company also improved connectivity between Vietnam and Europe, resulting in transit times that are one day faster than before. FedEx now operates a total of 26 weekly flights between these regions, enabling express shipments to reach major destinations within as little as two days. Within APAC itself, FedEx maintains four regional hubs serving a total of 44 countries and territories.
Outside of APAC trade relations, Europe’s top intercontinental trading partners are the U.S., accounting for activity with nearly half of surveyed SMEs (48%), and the Middle East at 34%. The UK leads European markets trading with the U.S., while Turkey leads for both Middle East and APAC engagement.
Despite strong interest in expanding cross-border operations, regulatory changes, complex customs procedures, and global market volatility present ongoing challenges for businesses—86% of APAC SMEs and 78% of European SMEs indicated these factors impact their operations.
“It’s clear that the Europe-APAC trade lane represents huge opportunities for SMEs across both regions,” says Wouter Roels, European President at FedEx.“This study also confirms that factors like support with trade complexity and supply chain visibility are critical to realising the full 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 customers.”
The report notes that digital innovation is increasingly important: about one-third of APAC businesses (30%) and more than two-fifths of European businesses (41%) want new digital tools to improve supply chain visibility and reduce delivery times. Additionally, many companies seek greater customs expertise—27% in APAC and 41% in Europe—to help navigate regulations efficiently.
FedEx has responded by expanding its portfolio of digital solutions aimed at simplifying cross-border commerce. Its clearance teams assist businesses through webinars on regulatory issues to avoid delays or unexpected costs. Electronic Trade Documents allow customers to submit customs documents digitally for timely delivery. For European SMEs seeking international expansion resources or guidance on local markets, FedEx offers support through its SMB Hub platform.
The survey was carried out online by Mortar Research across nine European countries—including the UK, France, Spain, Turkey—and Milieu Insights across thirteen Asia Pacific locations such as Australia, China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam among others.
For more information about how FedEx supports global trade activities visit fedex.com/trade.
