As businesses recalibrate their supply chains in response to geopolitical shifts and regulatory changes, the Asia-Europe trade lane is gaining importance.
Europe is ASEAN’s third-largest trading partner, with trade volumes driven by sectors such as healthcare, retail fashion, high-tech and industrial goods, fueling both B2B and B2C flows between the two regions.
Looking ahead, ASEAN’s exports are projected to increase by around 90% by 2031, far outpacing global trade growth of under 30%. Meanwhile, Asia’s share of global GDP is expected to rise from around 55% today to nearly 58% by 2030.
Much of the growth is being driven by key manufacturing and innovation hubs across Southeast Asia. Vietnam has emerged as a leading exporter of electronics, while Malaysia plays a critical role in the global semiconductor supply chain.
These markets, along with Thailand’s strong automotive production and Singapore’s advanced logistics and biomedical sectors, are anchoring Southeast Asia’s contribution to the region’s export growth.
This robust trade activity along the Asia-Europe lane will continue to fuel growing demand for reliable cross-continental shipping solutions. FedEx is positioning itself at the heart of this momentum, off ering a faster, more connected logistics network to help businesses respond to changing market dynamics and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
“By leveraging our agile network, we’re enabling businesses across Asia to tap into faster, more direct access to key European markets.” – Kawal Preet President, APAC, FedEx
“Trade flow patterns are never static. We’re constantly monitoring how supply chains are shifting so we can anticipate what’s next and stay ahead of our customers’ needs. Trade between Asia and Europe is becoming more diverse and multidirectional. Asia is not only exporting a broader range of high-value goods—it’s also emerging as a significant consumer of European products. By leveraging our agile network, we’re enabling businesses across Asia to tap into faster, more direct access to key European markets,” says Kawal Preet, President, APAC, FedEx.
To meet growing demand, FedEx introduced a new flight route last year connecting its Asia-Pacific hub in Guangzhou to Bengaluru, through to the UAE, Liège and Paris, further enhancing connectivity between China, India, the Middle East and Europe. Operating five times a week, the route offers greater flexibility and faster delivery for customers across this critical trade lane.
FedEx has also streamlined the export clearance process for high-value shipments from South China, improving delivery speed and operational efficiency across the region.
Within Europe, businesses can take advantage of FedEx’s integrated air-and-road infrastructure. Anchored by key logistics hubs in Paris, France; Cologne, Germany; and Liege, Belgium, the network supports over 550 pick-up and delivery stations across 45 countries and territories, and facilitates the sorting of more than two million packages every day. The company’s road network is also one of the fastest in Europe, enabling quick deliveries across the region.
“Our European network is a powerful backbone for global trade, designed for speed, scale and reliability,” Preet adds.
Amid shifting trade dynamics between Asia and Europe, businesses are seeking faster, more reliable ways to move goods across borders. FedEx is meeting this demand with expanded routes, integrated infrastructure, and by helping customers reimagine their supply chains through digital transformation and AI tools. These tools, including touchless, frictionless clearance, drive unparalleled resilience, efficiency and scalability for businesses. From pickup to delivery, FedEx embeds intelligence and automation into its air and ground network, making logistics smarter and more predictable. With advanced technology, FedEx is creating a flexible and efficient system that helps customers adapt to changing market conditions and opens doors to new growth.
Preet says: “Customers today demand end-to-end visibility, flexibility and control. That’s why we’re continuously advancing our network and leveraging technology to meet these expectations. We are building smarter, more resilient logistics infrastructure that enables sustainable growth and seamless trade between Asia and Europe.”
