Challenges and Opportunities Spotlighted in DHL's 2025 Forecast
A new survey by DHL Express reveals a mixed outlook for U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2025. The survey, which gathered responses from hundreds of SMEs nationwide, outlines the key challenges, priorities, and opportunities businesses face in the coming year.
The survey reveals that businesses are divided on how regulatory and policy changes will affect their operations. While 24% of SMEs expect negative impacts on growth, 20% believe these changes could present positive opportunities. Trade regulations, in particular, are a concern for 67% of businesses in 2025.
When asked about their biggest challenges, 36% of respondents identified regulatory and policy changes as a significant hurdle. Economic improvements, however, are identified as a key driver of growth for 31% of SMEs in 2025.
The focus on market expansion indicates a continued interest in broadening reach and tapping into new customer bases despite ongoing global uncertainties. A significant 40% of SMEs see expanding into new markets as their top opportunity for growth in 2025.
The adoption of new technologies is a growth driver for 14% of SMEs in 2025. However, 40% of SMEs are still evaluating the potential consequences of regulatory and policy changes, and 38% remain undecided about their strategic changes as they assess the situation.
The majority of SMEs (67%) expressed confidence in their prospects for 2025, expecting better performance compared to 2024. Interestingly, only 6% of SMEs anticipate a decline in performance in 2025.
13% of SMEs are prepared for significant overhauls of their strategies, while 30% plan to make minor adjustments to address shifts in the business environment.
It's important to note that the organization that conducted the intended 2025 survey showing the opinions of U.S. small and medium-sized businesses on growth and challenges is not DHL Express, as previously stated, but OnDeck, as reflected in their Small Business Cash Flow Trend Report.
Despite the mixed outlook, businesses remain wary of potential disruptions from external factors, including regulatory and policy changes and global market volatility. However, the survey also highlights the resilience and adaptability of U.S. SMEs as they navigate the challenges ahead.
