The Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) published in November 2025 the results of a survey conducted in September on cross-border trade between Europe and the Asia-Pacific region (APAC). More than 2,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across a total of 22 countries were surveyed. The aim of the survey was to capture current trends, challenges, and perspectives in intercontinental goods trade.
Trade between Europe and APAC remains on a growth trajectory
According to the survey, 76 percent of the APAC-based companies surveyed reported increasing export volumes to Europe in the past year. The markets most sought after were the United Kingdom (42 percent), Germany (40 percent) and France (38 percent). In total, 85 percent of the region's companies planned to begin or expand trade with Europe within the next 12 to 24 months.
On the European side, 87
percent of the SMEs surveyed expected that their trade balance with APAC in 2026 would develop in favor of exports or at least stabilize at the current level. In this way, the survey reflects the sustained growth rates of the Asia–Europe trade route, which had recorded gains for more than 30 consecutive months up to August 2025.
Key markets and growth regions
China is regarded by 55 percent of European SMEs as the APAC market with the best growth prospects, followed by Japan (36 percent), India (26 percent) and South Korea (24 percent). Among German companies, 59 percent see the greatest growth potential in trade with China, followed by India (35 percent) ahead of Japan (26 percent).
In addition to APAC, European respondents also cited the United States (48 percent) and the Middle East (34 percent) as
important intercontinental markets.
Barriers at customs and regulation
As central challenges for international expansion, 86 percent of APAC SMEs and 78 percent of European companies cited regulatory changes, complex customs procedures, and market volatility. 30 percent of APAC companies and 41 percent of European SMEs called for digital tools for better traceability of supply chains and to simplify shipping processing. 27 percent of APAC SMEs and 41 percent of European SMEs would like additional customs and compliance expertise to avoid costs and delays.
"The trade link between Europe and APAC offers great potential for small and medium-sized enterprises on both sides," said Stefan Dries, Vice President Ground Operations Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Benelux at FedEx. "We stand as a strong partner by their side and support them in overcoming challenges and seizing growth opportunities."
Expansion of logistics
capacity
To support growing trade flows, FedEx expanded its network in October 2025 by five weekly flights between Asia and Europe. In addition, the connection between Vietnam and Europe was optimized, reducing shipping time by one day. Altogether the company now operates 26 weekly flights between Europe and APAC with express deliveries to key target markets in only 48 hours.
Within the APAC region, FedEx uses four regional hubs that serve 44 countries and regions. The network is operated by around 28,000 employees.
Methodology of the study
The online survey was conducted by Mortar Research in Europe and Milieu Insights in APAC. Responses were collected from 1,206 European and 850 Asia-Pacific SMEs with international trading activity. Companies from a total of 22 markets were surveyed, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and
