Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is stepping up support for businesses across Asia Pacific as they adapt to evolving customs regulations, tariff changes, and shifting market priorities.
In response to recent U.S. de minimis exemption rule changes, FedEx hosted a series of country‑level webinars across nine Asia Pacific markets, engaging more than 3,800 customers from small- and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) to multinationals. These sessions provided practical guidance on maintaining operational efficiencies, customs clearance, avoiding unexpected costs, and enhanced shipping automation — equipping businesses with tools and guidance to navigate today’s complex trade environment.
Post-webinar feedback highlighted clear trends in cross-border trade priorities: shipment duties and taxes, and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) disbursement fees.
- While one-fourth of the surveyed APAC businesses still identify the United States as their primary market, over 40% plan to shift focus toward Intra-Asia (22%) and Europe (21%) in the next 12 months.
- Cost control and duty visibility are top priorities, with 25% of APAC businesses seeking clear pre-Regulatory volatility remains a key challenge, with 27% of businesses citing the difficulty of keeping pace with evolving rules as a top barrier to trade.
“As a trusted trade practitioner, we are working closely with our customers to ensure they maintain efficient access to vital markets,” said Salil Chari, senior vice president, Marketing and Customer Experience, Asia Pacific, FedEx. “By combining deep regulatory expertise, innovative digital tools, and the strength of our global network, we help Asia Pacific businesses improve cost and duty transparency, reduce clearance friction, and unlock new growth opportunities across the region and Europe with confidence.”
Tips for businesses to strengthen cross-border
With businesses calling for greater trade guidance and digital solutions to support supply chain diversification and cross-border trade expansion, FedEx is expanding its comprehensive suite of offerings to cater for these growing needs.
1. Navigating regulations with trusted trade expertise
With 24% of businesses surveyed seeking direct access to regulatory and trade-compliance experts, FedEx is one of the largest entry-filers in the U.S. and provides round‑the‑clock support to keep shipments moving seamlessly across more than 220 countries and territories.
For U.S.-bound trade requiring close attention, FedEx U.S. Tariff Hub offers up‑to‑date guidance on tariffs, customs policies, and required documentation, along with impact summaries, product and service fact sheets, and tutorials that help businesses stay prepared and compliant.
2. Unlocking predictability and transparency with digital innovation
Beyond expert guidance, 27% of APAC businesses are calling for automated tools to speed up customs clearance. FedEx continues to invest in digital trade solutions that help customers ship more cost-efficiently, seamlessly, and confidently.
FedEx has introduced an industry leading AI‑enabled Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code‑lookup feature and a Customs AI chatbot to help shippers provide complete item descriptions and accurate HS code matching, reducing delays and improving compliance.
3. Seizing emerging trade opportunities with a strong global network
As Asia Pacific businesses look to diversify beyond the U.S., FedEx is strengthening connectivity across critical intra-Asia and Asia–Europe trade corridors.
FedEx launched the Go-To Europe Hub across five Asia Pacific markets – Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Singapore. This central resource offers guidelines, videos, and dedicated resource pages on fedex.com to help small businesses seize opportunities in European markets with local trade insights.
To support growing intra-regional trade flows, FedEx has strengthened its intra-Asia services, including new flight routes from South Korea to Vietnam with onward service to the Asia Pacific Hub in Guangzhou, China, and a direct flight route from South Korea to Taiwan.
As global trade dynamics shift, FedEx trade expertise, industry-leading customs clearance capabilities, and game-changing digital solutions, empower its customers to navigate customs complexities with confidence and seize new opportunities.
