Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: Optimistic About 2025

As we step into 2025, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are brimming with optimism, driven by a mix of pro-business policies, technological advancements, and a recovering global economy. A recent DHL Express survey revealed that 67% of SMEs are closely monitoring potential tariff changes, indicating a keen awareness of the global economic landscape and a willingness to adapt their supply chain strategies accordingly. This proactive approach, coupled with a focus on implementing new technologies, sets the stage for a promising year ahead.

The IDC FutureScape for Worldwide SMBs, 2025 and Beyond, highlights the importance of new technologies for SMBs, with "fresh AI strategies" being one of the top 10 predictions for 2025. SMEs are unveiling new tools, technologies, and tactics to help them better compete in the market. Additionally, 14% of SMEs identified implementing new technologies as one of the top areas for growth in 2025, according to the DHL Express survey. This emphasis on technological innovation is a testament to SMEs' commitment to driving growth and staying ahead of the curve.



Moody's Investors Service reports also underscore the role of new technologies in various sectors. The "Outlook Artificial Intelligence – Global: 2025" report states that broadening AI capabilities will unlock new use cases, while the "Sector In-Depth Corporates – Europe" report notes the delayed roll-out of EU cyber rules leaves the region vulnerable to rising threats, emphasizing the need for new technologies to enhance cybersecurity. These reports highlight the growing importance of technology in SMEs' growth strategies for 2025.

The Deutsche Bank investment magazine article "Global Macro 2025: Fasten Your Seatbelts" discusses the potential of AI and associated technologies to raise output per worker, which is crucial for long-term economic growth. This focus on productivity gains, coupled with a stable global macroeconomic outlook, bodes well for SMEs in 2025.

In conclusion, SMEs are optimistic about 2025, driven by a proactive approach to potential tariff changes, a focus on implementing new technologies, and a stable global macroeconomic outlook. By embracing these strategies, SMEs are well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities that the new year brings.