New FedEx study shows Central and Eastern Europe SMEs accelerate global growth

Federal Express Corporation has released a study showing that small and medium sized enterprises across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are accelerating their international expansion. The findings reveal a clear shift in the region’s economic outlook, with SMEs signalling a more ambitious approach: Europe alone no longer meets their growth plans.

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 across six of the region’s largest economies – Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Lithuania – point to a clear shift in perspective. 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 United States, and 14% operate in Asia. As Jacek Grzeszak, senior economist at Minds & Roses, observes, decades of economic transformation and integration with the EU and NATO have firmly embedded the region within Western value chains. ‘For years, Western Europe was the dominant export destination. It remains critical, but companies in Central and Eastern Europe are now seeking further growth beyond traditional markets. For ambitious companies from our region, thinking outside of Europe is key.’

Internationalisation is no longer a one off experiment but an ongoing strategy: nearly 80% of companies already active abroad plan to enter additional markets, suggesting their early export efforts have been commercially viable. The drivers are pragmatic – the companies seek to access larger markets (36%), diversify revenue streams (31%), and respond to rising foreign demand (30%). While barriers such as high entry costs, customer acquisition challenges and transport expenses persist – especially for SMEs – they tend to slow expansion rather than stop it altogether.

Technology has already altered the equation. 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. What once required a physical presence now often requires only digital capability and logistical reliability. Here, infrastructure becomes strategic. Access to global transport networks, customs expertise, and integrated digital shipping solutions is emerging as a competitive differentiator. 

‘The research findings confirm what we are already seeing across our network: SMEs in Central and Eastern Europe are moving beyond a catch up phase and actively pursuing growth outside their traditional European markets,’ said Mariusz Mik, vice president ground operations Nordics, Eastern Europe, FedEx. ‘This shift is happening as global supply chains continue to evolve, with more businesses looking to diversify. With our global network and experience handling time sensitive and high value shipments, FedEx is well positioned to support businesses as they expand internationally.’

The broader message is unmistakable. A region once defined by convergence with Western Europe is now defined by outward confidence. CEE’s SMEs are no longer content to participate in global value chains; they are seeking to shape their own position within them.

The full report can be found here.