SINGAPORE, 21 November 2025 — Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, today released findings from a survey on trade trends between Asia Pacific (APAC) and Europe, covering 13 markets across the region, including Singapore.
The study highlights that Singaporean SMEs consistently outperform the APAC average across nearly all trade measures, from customer base in Europe to demand for products and services.
Of the 100 Singaporean SMEs polled, 86% reported higher trade volumes with Europe, driven by:
- Increased demand for products and services (51%)
- Greater marketing and investment focused on European customers (43%)
- New product and service launches tailored for European markets (41%)
This underscores Europe’s role as a critical growth market for Singaporean businesses.
Stronger Presence Across Europe
Singapore’s position as a key Asian trade partner for Europe’s largest economies is evident: 66% of Singaporean SMEs now have at least a quarter of their customer base in Europe, compared with 50% regionally. Even in smaller markets such as Italy, Spain, and Poland, Singaporean firms maintain a stronger presence than their APAC peers.
Overall, 84% of Singaporean SMEs reported an improved outlook over the past year, 10% above the regional average.
“Singaporean SMEs are demonstrating remarkable resilience and agility in expanding trade with Europe, capitalising on strong demand and strategic opportunities,” said Eric Tan, Managing Director, FedEx Singapore. “This growth reflects the strength of Singapore’s trading relationship with Europe, and the confidence to thrive amid shifting global dynamics. FedEx will continue investing in network capacity, digital innovation, and expertise to help Singaporean businesses sustain and accelerate their momentum.”
Challenges Remain
Despite optimism, 85% of Singaporean SMEs report being affected by global logistics disruptions and shifting regulations. Key barriers to entering European markets include logistics costs, customs regulations, and limited demand or market intelligence. For businesses already established in Europe, import tariffs and supply chain complexities remain the top challenges.
Key European Markets
The United Kingdom, Germany, and France emerge as the top destinations for Singaporean SMEs:
- 36% entered Europe via the UK, reflecting historical trade ties
- 81% currently export to the UK
- 70% to Germany
- 68% to France
Across APAC, the UK leads as the primary gateway to Europe (31%), followed by Germany and France (18% each).
Sustainability is also shaping trade decisions: 51% of Singaporean SMEs cite sustainability considerations as central to logistics and supply chain choices, signalling a shift towards greener and more responsible practices.
Enabling Smoother Trade
Aligned with regional peers, Singaporean SMEs identify cost efficiency as the most critical factor for boosting trade with Europe (40%). The top areas where support is sought include:
- 42%: cost-effective logistics solutions
- 33%: customs clearance expertise
- 27%: regulatory guidance
Meeting Asia–Europe Demand
To support surging trade growth, FedEx has added five weekly flights connecting Asia to Europe this month, alongside enhanced connectivity between Vietnam and Europe that reduces shipment time by one day. FedEx now operates 26 weekly flights linking APAC shipments to Europe, delivering express consignments to major destinations in as little as 48 hours¹.
Its integrated air-and-road network, anchored by hubs in Paris, France, and Liège, Belgium, is among the fastest in Europe, supporting over 550 pick-up and delivery stations across 45 countries and territories, and sorting more than two million packages daily.
Digital Solutions for Smarter Trade
FedEx also offers a broad portfolio of digital tools and specialised expertise to simplify cross-border commerce. Customers can:
- Upload Electronic Trade Documents to streamline customs declarations
- Use the FedEx Import Tool to track clearance status, receive real-time notifications, and download required documents
- Access the FedEx Go-To Europe Hub, an always-on resource providing multimedia guides, trade regulations, and local market insights
Together, these solutions equip APAC businesses with the knowledge, capacity, and confidence to expand and compete across European markets.
