Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), the world’s largest express transportation company, announced results from its study showing that Romanian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are entering a new phase of international growth, moving beyond established European markets and increasingly exploring global opportunities. According to the FedEx study conducted by Minds&Roses across six Central and Eastern European countries, 78% of Romanian companies that already export plan to expand into additional foreign markets. While Europe remains the natural starting point, the findings highlight a gradual shift in ambitions, with Romanian companies increasingly looking beyond traditional destinations.
Europe Leads—but Global Expansion Is Gaining Momentum
The study indicates that current Romanian exporters primarily focus on European markets, with 98% of them operating within the continent. Beyond Europe, the most popular export destinations are the United States (20%) and Asia (15%).
Notable trends are emerging among companies preparing for their international debut. While Europe still dominates this group (72% of responses), new entrants are beginning to explore global markets more boldly: 17% are interested in entering the U.S. market, and 13% are considering Asia as their initial step into exporting.
“Europe naturally remains the first stage of international expansion for companies across Central and Eastern Europe,” says Jacek Grzeszak, senior economist at Minds&Roses and co-author of the study. “However, the study results show that more and more small and medium-sized business owners are looking for growth opportunities beyond their traditional markets. Romania is no exception. As companies gain experience in international trade, interest in more distant destinations, including Asia, is increasing. This reflects a broader trend across the region: entrepreneurs are seeking new markets with strong growth potential and expanding consumer bases.”
Unlocking Revenue Potential: Diversifying Internationally and Being Optimistic
Compared to other markets in the region, Romanian entrepreneurs place greater emphasis on diversifying revenue streams when considering international expansion. Thirty-two percent of Romanian companies that already export stated that one of the reasons they entered foreign markets was the opportunity to diversify their sources of income. Among companies currently considering exporting, the figure rises to 39%, one of the highest levels in the region.
The FedEx study shows that Romanian entrepreneurs have one of the most positive outlooks regarding the benefits of international expansion. Forty-two percent of respondents in Romania believe that expanding abroad can generate significant growth in company revenue and profits, above the regional average. At the same time, 39% believe it can improve financial stability by diversifying revenue, while 42% see international expansion as an opportunity to reach new customers via international platforms and marketplaces.
In addition, 34% of Romanian respondents believe that operating in foreign markets contributes to greater brand and product recognition.
“The findings reflect a broader trend across Central and Eastern Europe: SMEs, including those in Romania, are becoming more international in their outlook and actively seeking new growth opportunities,” said Agata Kaim, head of marketing strategy, Eastern Europe, FedEx. “As they expand into more complex and distant markets, access to reliable logistics networks and global expertise becomes essential. We aim to be a partner that supports businesses at every stage of their growth—from their first domestic and international shipments to managing multi-market supply chains.”
Challenges Remain: Costs, Regulation and Competition
Despite strong growth ambitions, Romanian companies are navigating a complex international environment as they expand into new markets. For businesses currently considering entering foreign markets, managing costs remains an important consideration. One-third of Romanian respondents (33%) cite international shipping costs as a key factor in their decision-making, a figure above the regional average (21%). At the same time, companies are adapting to a changing global landscape: 34% note that evolving tariffs and regulations tied to geopolitical developments can affect expansion, while 31% highlight rising international competition.
In this context, access to experienced international logistics providers is becoming a key enabler of growth. Integrated transportation solutions, customs expertise and local market knowledge can help simplify cross-border operations and support companies in scaling their international presence more effectively.
The study was conducted by Minds&Roses on behalf of FedEx between September and October 2025, among a sample of 826 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that sell products across six Central and Eastern European countries: Romania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Lithuania. Romanian SMEs accounted for 18.5% of the total survey sample.
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