Asia Pacific-Europe SME Trade Report From FedEx Highlights Export Opportunity

Are you ready to make the most of Asia-Pacific export opportunities? FedEx’s latest European SME insight report reveals key challenges, and winning strategies to help European businesses expand successfully in APAC. Download the full report here to understand Europe’s intercontinental links, SME balance of trade and top tips for export growth.

Amid shifting global trade dynamics, new opportunities are emerging for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Asia Pacific (APAC) and Europe that are prepared to be bold about their growth plans.

If you are interested in expanding your overseas business, then our Intercontinental Exports Trade Report is essential reading. Find out why the Europe APAC trade corridor is gaining momentum and how it will change in 2026. Based on the views of over 2,000 SMEs across APAC and Europe you’ll learn about their shared sense of optimism and expansion plans for 2026.

Download the full report here to understand Europe’s intercontinental links, SME balance of trade and top tips for export growth.

Research shows that APAC businesses are looking west to capture new markets, and strategically targeting Europe for expansion. Their top three growth markets are the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. Key factors driving this expansion include strategic growth opportunities, comprehensive logistics solutions, and favourable trade agreements that make it easier to reach European consumers.

This optimism is far from one-sided. Among European SMEs already trading with APAC, 87% expect to shift their trade balance further toward exports or maintain their current levels in the coming year.

European SMEs overwhelmingly view China (55%) as the APAC market offering the best opportunities for expansion, followed by Japan (36%), India (26%) and South Korea (24%).

Within Europe, Turkish SMEs have the highest proportion of APAC-based customers (12%), followed by Belgium (8.5%) and the Netherlands (7.6%). These figures underscore the growing strength of two-way trade ties between Europe and the Asia Pacific region.

Despite growing optimism, challenges persist. The evolving global trade landscape, marked by regulatory shifts and market volatility, continues to test the agility of Europe and Asia’s small businesses. 86% of APAC SMEs and 78% of European SMEs tell us that these factors impact their ability to operate efficiently across borders.

To overcome these challenges, they are calling for smarter, modern solutions that make global trade more accessible and predictable:

• Digital Tools: 41% of European and 30% of APAC SMEs are calling for innovative digital tools to improve supply chain visibility, streamline shipping, and enhance delivery speed.
• Customs Expertise: 41% of European and 27% of APAC SMEs want greater customs expertise to navigate shifting regulations, manage costs, and prevent delays.

Logistics networks are evolving to help SMEs scale across continents and are keen to help you safely navigate customs clearance and shipping complexity.

FedEx has expanded its global air network with five new weekly flights connecting Asia to Europe, alongside enhanced routes between Vietnam and Europe that have reduced shipment times by one full day. In total, FedEx now operates 26 weekly flights between APAC and Europe, enabling delivery to major destinations in as little as 48 hours.

Beyond speed, FedEx is helping SMEs simplify cross-border trade through digital and operational innovation. Our clearance and compliance teams guide businesses through complex international regulations, while tools like Electronic Trade Documents (ETD) allow customers to upload and manage customs paperwork digitally, reducing delays and ensuring smoother shipments.

These are just three of the top findings contained in our latest guide which is packed with local market insights, trade guidelines, and practical advice - helping businesses of all sizes build confidence and capability in new markets.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page does not constitute legal, tax, finance, accounting, or trade advice, but is designed to provide general information relating to business and commerce. The FedEx Small Business Hub content, information, and services are not a substitute for obtaining the advice of a competent professional, for example (but not limited to) a licensed attorney, law firm, accountant, or financial adviser.