FedEx Empowers Filipino Businesses to Navigate Global Trade Shifts with Confidence

Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is helping businesses in the Philippines navigate an evolving trade landscape marked by tariff-induced uncertainties and heightened customs complexity. FedEx has been conducting webinars to help its customers across the Asia Pacific region stay agile, managing regulatory changes and responding to shifting trade environments. The response to its latest webinar series demonstrates the need for guidance within the business community. Over 6,500 participants registered from across the region.

The company’s role as experienced trade facilitator gives it a front-row seat to gauge sentiment in the business community.

One third (29%) of respondents attending FedEx webinars are not planning on changing their supply chain strategy.

More than half (52%) are considering supply chain diversification over the next 12 months to better adapt to global trade uncertainty.

A fifth (19%) are actively pursuing such plans. Businesses have identified ongoing tariff uncertainty (41%) and increasing costs (29%) as both the drivers’ and key barriers to supply chain diversification.

These insights underscore the growing importance of leveraging best practices and the expertise of trade experts to tackle customs challenges and enhance supply chain resilience.

“Customs compliance can often be challenging for many Filipino businesses, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which may have a gap in expertise in their lean teams,” said Maribeth Espinosa, managing director, FedEx Philippines. “With the introduction of tools like Customs AI and the HS Code Lookup Feature, we hope to alleviate the complexity. These solutions can help to simplify the process, reduce costly delays, and allow our customers to focus more on growing their business rather than navigating documentation requirements. It’s another step in our commitment to making global trade more accessible for Filipino entrepreneurs.”

Best Practices for Seamless Customer Experience Supported by FedEx’s Comprehensive Suite of Services

Amid ongoing regulatory uncertainty, businesses need to be better equipped to navigate increasing complexity. By leveraging the FedEx comprehensive suite of services, including digital trade tools and tailored solution guides, businesses can minimize delays, avoid unexpected costs and maintain operational efficiencies.

1. Rely on Expert Guidance

• Regularly check for expert guidance on tariffs, customs policies, and required documentation through reliable sources like the FedEx U.S. Tariff Hub.
• Access FedEx Trade Solutions for personalized trade consulting, advisory solutions for immediate challenges, and managed solutions for ongoing compliance and regulatory needs.

2. Gather Essential Information for Seamless Clearance

• Provide Clear and Accurate Product Descriptions: Include specific details such as material composition, intended use, quantity, and country of manufacture.
• Use the Correct HS Codes: Ensure the appropriate Harmonized System (HS) codes are included in all shipping documents. Customers can leverage the enhanced HS code feature in FedEx Ship ManagerTM at fedex.com powered by the latest AI technology to improve compliance.
• Include Manufacturer Identification Code (MID): For certain shipments, particularly textiles and apparel, provide the MID code on both the Air Waybill and commercial invoices to ensure smooth customs clearance.
  o Prepare for Formal Entry Requirements: Ensure the consignee’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) is included for formal entry shipments to avoid delays or returns.

3. Leverage Tailored Digital Trade Tools

• Utilize tools such as FedEx Global Trade Manager to estimate duties and taxes, identify applicable tariffs, and access essential trade resources.
• Take advantage of Electronic Trade Documents to electronically submit data, enabling paperless processing and accelerated customs clearance with reduced delay risks.

4. Select a Reliable Logistics Expert with a Robust Global Network

• Customers can leverage the comprehensive FedEx portfolio of day-definite parcel and freight services that balance speed with competitive pricing to support their business growth. With its one-stop solution, designed to handle everything from single packages to large pallet or container shipments.
• FedEx also continues to invest in infrastructure to support regional trade. In addition to its strong intra-Asia network, the recent launch of a direct Singapore-Anchorage flight improves transit times between Southeast Asia and the U.S., offering faster delivery options for businesses in the region. FedEx also launched a new flight connecting its Asia Pacific Hub in Guangzhou, China to Bangalore, India and onwards to Liege and Paris in Europe in November last year. The flight operates five times per week to enhance intra-Asia and Europe connectivity.

As global trade dynamics shift, FedEx trade expertise, industry-leading customs clearance capabilities, and game-changing digital solutions, empower its customers to navigate customs complexities with confidence and seize new opportunities.

To stay informed of the latest tariff policy changes and access FedEx’s latest solutions and support, businesses are encouraged to explore the FedEx U.S. Tariff Hub and contact their local FedEx representative for personalized support.