Business, Express, Freight News

East Europe firms broaden their horizons

[ May 14, 2026   //   Chris Lewis ]

Federal Express Corporation (NYSE: FDX), the world’s largest express transportation company, released a study showing that

It says tThe findings reveal a clear shift in the region’s economic outlook, with Europe alone no longer meeting firms’ growth ambitions.

Nearly half of SMEs across Central and Eastern Europe already sell internationally, and another third are preparing to enter foreign markets. The findings, from research conducted by Minds & Roses on behalf of FedEx in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Lithuania, suggests that  businesses that once focused primarily on catching up with more developed Western European markets are now positioning themselves as global competitors.

While Western Europe remains a priority region for growth and continues to serve as the main export destination for manufacturers and suppliers, companies are increasingly expanding beyond traditional partners. One in four exporters is already active in the US, and 14% operate in Asia.

The rapid adoption of e-commerce tools has lowered the threshold for cross-border trade, allowing even small businesses to reach customers far beyond their home markets.

Tags: FedEx