Small and mid-sized enterprises (SME) across the United States are defying the prevailing economic uncertainty, with many reporting that they are exceeding expectations and are focused on expanding internationally in 2025.
That’s according to a report from DHL Express, released this week. The company’s Trade Atlas 2025, developed with New York University’s Stern School of Business, shows that SMEs remain optimistic as they navigate rising costs, complex trade dynamics, and technology challenges. Of more than 400 businesses surveyed, 68% said they are either meeting or beating expectations, with much of that success fueled by cost control (28%), smarter supply chains (15%), and market expansion efforts (18%).
Nearly 60% of respondents said rising operational expenses are their biggest internal challenge, and that’s fueling a sharp focus on efficiency and optimization. Many have turned to artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools to streamline operations—and those investments are paying off. According to the report, just 6% of respondents cite tech integration as a major challenge “signaling maturity after years of digital adaptation.”
When it comes to business expansion, SMEs admit that shifting trade policies and impending tariffs are a hurdle (67%), but they are forging ahead, nonetheless. More than a third of respondents said they plan to expand to European markets in 2025 (35%) while 28% said they will expand to Asia and 25% to Latin America.
“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,” according to the report.
