Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), a global leader in express transportation, has shared valuable data from a survey conducted to understand attitudes and trends related to the year-end festive shopping period among businesses and consumers in the Asia Pacific and European regions.
The survey, conducted in September 2025, collated responses from 850 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and 850 consumers from 13 Asia Pacific markets, as well as more than 1,200 SMEs from nine European markets. The study aimed to identify business expectations for the holiday shopping season and highlight consumer preferences and concerns.
The results indicated a strong sense of optimism, with over 70% of Asia Pacific businesses and more than 80% of European businesses anticipating improved holiday sales compared to the previous year. Asia Pacific businesses are preparing for a significant cross-border demand from Europe during the year-end shopping season.
This rise in e-commerce across borders and the influence of major online shopping festivals are driving demand. This year, 88% of Asia Pacific consumers are planning to do at least a quarter of their holiday shopping online, with 53% intending to ramp up their online activity. Shopping festivals such as Double 11, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are particularly influential, with 83% of Asian shoppers incorporating these events into their holiday purchasing plans. SMEs are modifying their strategies accordingly, with 91% of Asia Pacific businesses and 83% of European businesses considering these e-commerce shopping festivals vital for capturing seasonal demand.
While there is strong demand among Asia Pacific shoppers for European goods, more product choices, competitive delivery speed, and costs remain paramount. Almost nine in ten Asia Pacific shoppers identify efficient shipping as crucial when buying holiday gifts online.
However, delays in delivery (55%) and high shipping costs (45%) are the main issues faced in previous seasons, highlighting the need for e-tailers to enhance logistics performance and customer experience. These concerns directly influence purchasing decisions, with more than half of Asia Pacific consumers suggesting that lower shipping costs (53%) and faster delivery times (50%) would make them more likely to buy from European vendors.
Businesses in both regions are elevating their efforts to meet growing customer expectations. Close to one-third of businesses in the Asia Pacific (29%) and Europe (33%) are improving their fulfillment and delivery operations to better accommodate cross-border demand. Over one-third of enterprises in the Asia Pacific (34%) and Europe (32%) are bolstering their customer service capabilities. Interestingly, 85% of businesses in both these regions are confident about meeting delivery deadlines during this year’s holiday season.
Salil Chari, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Customer Experience at FedEx Asia Pacific, said, “In Asia Pacific, the festive gifting season extends beyond Christmas and into the Lunar New Year, forming one of the world’s most dynamic periods for cross-border commerce. E-tailers are poised to maximize sales with the surge in e-commerce across Asia Pacific and Europe. We assist businesses in delivering superior customer experiences and optimizing logistics, particularly during the business holiday season, through our extensive network and smart, digital solutions.”
FedEx’s comprehensive e-commerce solutions aid e-tailers in streamlining order fulfillment. The company has integrated its Ship Manager platform with prominent e-commerce marketplaces such as Shopify and BigCommerce, allowing Asia Pacific e-tailers to manage shipments and paperwork directly from their online orders. These user-friendly, seamless services are essential for e-commerce merchants, especially during the bustling holiday season when order volumes spike.
To meet increasing expectations for speed and reliability, FedEx offers services such as FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP), which enables merchants to ship within the Asia Pacific and to the U.S. and Europe. This affordable international solution typically delivers most shipments within one to three business days, closely aligning with consumer demand for speedy delivery.
What is the primary expectation of Asia Pacific consumers when shopping online for the holiday season?
Efficient shipping is the top expectation of almost nine in ten Asia Pacific consumers when they shop online for the holiday season.
What percentage of Asia Pacific consumers plan to do their holiday shopping online?
According to the survey, 88% of Asia Pacific consumers plan to conduct at least a quarter of their holiday shopping online.
What actions are businesses in the Asia Pacific and Europe taking to meet growing customer expectations?
Approximately one-third of businesses in both regions are enhancing their fulfillment and delivery operations to accommodate increased cross-border demand, while over one-third are strengthening their customer service capabilities.
