Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe and Asia Pacific are showing strong optimism about cross-border trade, according to a new survey released by FedEx.
The study found that 87% of European SMEs trading with Asia Pacific expect exports to rise or remain strong in the coming year, while 85% of Asia Pacific SMEs are planning to start or expand trade with Europe within the next 12 to 24 months.
The surge in confidence is being driven by growing consumer demand, improved logistics networks, and closer trade partnerships between the two regions.
Conducted in September 2025, the FedEx survey polled over 2,000 SMEs across 22 markets — including 1,200 in Europe and 850 in Asia Pacific — to gauge business sentiment, readiness, and barriers to cross-border expansion.
Trade flows and top markets
For European exporters, China (55%), Japan (36%), and India (26%) were identified as the most promising growth markets for 2026. Meanwhile, 76% of Asia Pacific SMEs reported higher export volumes over the past year, with the UK (42%), Germany (40%), and France (38%) ranking as the top three destinations driving their business expansion.
FedEx said that Asia Pacific companies’ growth strategies have been supported by strong European demand, competitive pricing, and diversification efforts aimed at boosting resilience amid an evolving global trade environment.
Among European markets, Turkish SMEs had the highest proportion of Asia Pacific customers, with 12% of their international clients based in the region. They were followed by Belgium (8.5%), the Netherlands (7.6%), France (7%), and Italy (5.7%).
Expanding air cargo connectivity
To meet growing trade volumes, FedEx now operates 26 weekly flights between Europe and Asia Pacific, including five new services from Asia Pacific to its European hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The company said the additional capacity reflects “sustained demand on one of the world’s busiest cargo corridors.”
Beyond Asia, the United States (48%) and the Middle East (34%) were identified as Europe’s other key intercontinental trading regions. The UK led European trade with the US, while Turkey topped trading links with both the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite the strong appetite for international expansion, SMEs cited regulatory complexity, customs procedures, and market volatility as major obstacles. According to the survey, 86% of Asia Pacific SMEs and 78% of European SMEs said these challenges continue to impact their cross-border operations.
To overcome these hurdles, 41% of European and 30% of Asia Pacific SMEs are calling for advanced digital tools to enhance supply chain visibility and reduce delivery times.
Meanwhile, 41% of European and 27% of Asia Pacific firms said they need better customs expertise to help manage compliance and costs.
FedEx said the findings highlight both the resilience and ambition of SMEs across the global cargo network, with logistics and connectivity playing a central role in unlocking new trade opportunities between Europe and Asia Pacific.