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Small and mid-sized businesses are proving, once again, that agility is their superpower. As 2025 unfolds, American SMEs are navigating rising costs, complex trade dynamics, and rapid-fire tech disruption—not by pulling back, but by leaning in.
A recent DHL Express survey of hundreds of U.S. SME customers reveals a story that defies the headlines: one of bold ambition, digital savvy, and global perspective. Whether it’s expanding into new international markets or embracing AI to streamline operations, these companies are taking the twists and turns of the economic road in stride.
And the timing couldn’t be better. The newly released DHL Trade Atlas 2025, developed with NYU Stern School of Business, shows that despite political headwinds—including potential U.S. tariff hikes—global trade is bouncing back and projected to grow faster in the next five years than in the last ten. Even long-distance trade is setting new records, underscoring the persistent pull of global opportunity.
Let’s dive into what the survey tells us about how U.S. SMEs are preparing for that future:
Performance & Priorities: Cost-Savvy, Globally Minded
Despite economic uncertainty, 68% of SMEs say they’re meeting or beating expectations in 2025. Much of that success is fueled by laser-focused cost control (28%), smarter supply chains (15%), and market expansion efforts (18%).
While costs remain a challenge, businesses aren’t hunkering down—they’re scaling up.
Going Global: Tariffs or Not, the World Beckons
Trade policy shifts and tariffs are on everyone’s radar (67% see them as the top hurdle to international expansion), but they’re not stopping the momentum. Europe tops the list for future growth (35%), followed by Asia (28%) and Latin America (25%). And this optimism is backed by macro trends: according to the DHL Trade Atlas 2025, countries like India, Vietnam, and the Philippines are expected to lead global trade growth, offering fresh opportunities for SMEs looking to diversify and de-risk their domestic dependency.
Digital Tools & Dollars: Tech to the Rescue
With 57% citing rising operational costs as their top internal challenge, it’s no surprise that tech is becoming a lifeline. SMEs are turning to AI and digital tools to drive efficiency and fuel innovation—signaling real momentum behind the digital transformation wave.
People & Platforms: Tech Pain Fades, Talent Stabilizes
Workforce woes aren’t gone, but they’ve eased. Only 10% of SMEs list talent as their top challenge, and even fewer (6%) struggle with tech integration. That’s a big shift, suggesting that businesses are finding their footing with hybrid models and digital adoption.
Looking Ahead: DHL is Here to Help
The bottom line? U.S. SMEs are showing grit and growth-minded strategy in a complex world. They're making moves—smart ones—and DHL is proud to support them with tailored solutions that help navigate cost, speed, and global risk.
As global trade distances stretch to record highs and markets evolve in real-time, tools like the DHL Trade Atlas 2025 are essential for understanding the path forward. Explore more here, to see where trade is headed—and how your business can move with it.
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