Global Trade Highlights: From Finnish Games to Vietnamese Coffee, Global SMEs Shine
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are reshaping global trade in 2025 with creativity, resilience, and innovation. From Finland’s €3.6 billion gaming exports to Vietnamese coffee cooperatives brewing global success, SMEs are proving that local ideas can capture international markets. This month’s trade highlights showcase how businesses across every continent—whether producing wine in South Africa, maple syrup in Canada, or sustainable cosmetics in New Zealand—are leveraging heritage, sustainability, and technology to scale globally. Together, these stories illustrate how SMEs are not just competing in global trade—they’re leading it.
Europe – Finland's Gaming Industry: From Hobby to €3.6 Billion Export Powerhouse Finland transformed a 1970s hobby into a €3.6 billion global gaming industry. Education in tech, creative innovation, and supportive startup ecosystems turned the country into a gaming powerhouse, showing how small nations can achieve global impact.
Asia – Vietnamese Coffee Cooperatives Brew Global Success Vietnamese small coffee cooperatives are exporting premium beans to over 30 countries. By combining sustainable farming practices with cooperative networks, these SMEs are helping local farmers gain a foothold in international markets while elevating Vietnam’s reputation for specialty coffee.
Africa – South African Wine Finds Global Recognition South Africa’s boutique wine producers are expanding exports to over 40 countries, blending sustainability and local heritage. Small vineyards, supported by cooperative networks, are capturing global markets and positioning South African wine as a premium, environmentally conscious product.
North America – Canadian Maple Products Sweeten Global Trade Quebec-based Maple & Co. exports premium maple syrup and related products to over 25 countries. By combining high-quality production with sustainable forestry practices, the SME has doubled its international revenue in three years. Strategic partnerships with boutique retailers in Europe and Asia highlight the importance of market-focused trade strategies.
South America – Brazilian Handmade Footwear Steps onto the World Stage São Paulo-based artisan footwear brands export handcrafted shoes to Europe and North America, blending traditional craftsmanship with eco-friendly production. Small SMEs report a 40% growth in international orders over the past two years, proving that authenticity sells globally.
Oceania – New Zealand Sustainable Cosmetics Capture Global Market Kiwi Naturals, a New Zealand SME, produces organic skincare and cosmetic products exported to 22 countries. Leveraging New Zealand’s clean image and eco-conscious trends, the company has doubled revenues in three years while supporting local suppliers of native ingredients.
Global SME Trends in 2025
· Diversification of Export Markets: SMEs are exploring Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Africa to hedge against regional disruptions.
· Leveraging Free Trade Agreements: One in four SMEs now use FTAs, doubling from the previous year, improving competitiveness and market reach.
· Adoption of AI Tools: 63% of SMEs globally are integrating AI to manage cross-border trade, logistics, and compliance.
The global trade landscape in 2025 is being driven by the ingenuity of SMEs who combine authenticity, sustainability, and smart strategy to reach new markets. Whether through digital innovation, fair trade practices, or creative branding, these enterprises demonstrate that global impact doesn’t require size—it requires vision. As businesses explore new frontiers with AI tools, free trade agreements, and diverse export strategies, partnerships with organizations like GTPA can amplify their success. The future of trade is inclusive, sustainable, and SME-powered—and together, we can build it better.
Let’s Build Better Trade — Together
Partner with GTPA to design and deliver high-impact trade solutions. We collaborate with governments, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and development agencies to help SMEs succeed in global markets.
Opportunities for Collaboration:
· Co-design and co-delivery of training and certification programs
· Development of tailored toolkits and market-focused content
· Launch of joint trade readiness and upskilling initiatives
· Creation of inclusive trade pathways for emerging communities
· Co-hosted insight forums, market outlook events, and the Festival of Inclusive Trade
By partnering with GTPA, SMEs, trade bodies, and governments can unlock new markets, strengthen capabilities, and create inclusive, sustainable trade opportunities worldwide. Together, we can turn local innovation into global impact.