Global trade grew at its fastest pace in more than a decade during the first half of 2025, driven largely by the Asia Pacific region, according to DHL’s latest Global Connectedness Tracker.

Developed in partnership with New York University’s Stern School of Business, the report offers an early and detailed assessment of how trade and investment are adjusting to changing U.S. policies and global market conditions.

The Tracker found that six of the ten fastest-growing trade routes originated from Asian economies, underscoring the region’s growing influence in global supply chains.

Among the world’s 50 largest trading nations, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam recorded some of the strongest growth in trade value.

Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific at DHL Express, said the findings reflect how the region’s businesses are navigating an increasingly complex trade environment.

“Asia Pacific’s performance stands out due to its adaptability and strategic positioning,” Lee said.

“From ASEAN’s rising role in absorbing trade flows to countries in the region engaging more intensively with their neighbours, businesses are proving agile and forward-looking. DHL is well-positioned to support our customers as trade patterns evolve,” he added.

The report also showed that average trade distances in Singapore, Thailand, China, and Hong Kong SAR have shortened, signalling stronger intra-Asia integration.

Additionally, ASEAN has surpassed the United States as China’s largest export destination, with exports to the bloc increasing by 15% in early 2025.

Commissioned by DHL, the Global Connectedness Tracker analyses over 20 million data points to track cross-border flows of trade, capital, information, and people, providing insights that help businesses adapt to shifting global dynamics.

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