Amid Trump’s de minimis crackdown, FedEx expands International Connect Plus service in Singapore
6 Feb 20254 min read
Summary
- FedEx has expanded its International Connect Plus (FICP) service to Singapore, offering local e-tailers faster and more cost-effective international delivery options to the U.S. and Europe. The service, already available in markets such as China, Hong Kong, and Japan, aims to strengthen Singapore’s position as a global e-commerce hub by enabling day-definite deliveries within two to three business days.
- The expansion comes amid shifting global trade dynamics, particularly following U.S. President Donald Trump’s removal of the de minimis rule for Chinese imports under $800, which previously entered duty-free. Despite the potential impact on cross-border e-commerce, FedEx affirms its commitment to maintaining network continuity and supporting businesses as they adapt to new compliance requirements.
- With Asia’s e-commerce market projected to exceed USD 13 trillion by 2030, the FICP expansion enhances the competitiveness of Singaporean SMEs by combining affordability, reliability, and flexibility. By integrating advanced tracking, delivery customization, and seamless automation, FedEx continues to drive innovation in global logistics while empowering regional e-tailers to scale internationally.
Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), the world’s largest express transportation company, has expanded FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP), its international, day-definite e-commerce shipping service, to Singapore.
It’s already available for e-tailers operating in some Asia Pacific markets such as China, Hong Kong SAR, and Japan. The service gives Singapore-based e-tailers a reliable and cost-effective shipping solution to key destinations in the U.S. and Europe.
Navigating Trump’s Tariffs: The De Minimis Impact
While logistics advancements like FICP enhance speed and affordability, recent U.S. trade policy shifts could introduce new challenges for cross-border e-commerce.
One significant development is the removal of the de minimis rule for Chinese imports, which allows imports valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. The policy has been a crucial enabler for e-tailers shipping small parcels to American customers.
However, as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policy agenda, the removal of exemptions for Chinese imports could impact the global supply chain – including businesses in Asia. The end of the exemption was a part of the executive order to raise tariffs on Chinese goods in the U.S. by 10 percent.
When asked about these shifts through an exclusive email with Value Chain Asia, FedEx responded that they remain committed to maintaining operational continuity despite the removal of de minimis exemption.
“We remain focused on supporting our customers and working with them to adapt to the substantial changes resulting from the recent tariff announcements. FedEx has an experienced team of clearance and compliance experts who are working around the clock to continue enabling the movement of shipments across borders of the more than 220 countries and territories we serve.
We can confirm that shipments continue to move through our network between the U.S. and China as we adapt to compliance changes.”
Strengthening E-Commerce Competitiveness
This expanded coverage of FICP aligns with the company’s commitment to support the growth of cross-border e-commerce from Asia to the U.S. and Europe. E-commerce sales in Asia are projected to reach USD 13,209 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.6% from 2023 to 2030¹.
In Singapore, the e-commerce market is expected to generate revenue of USD 5.91 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 9.19% from 2025 to 2029, reaching USD 8.40 billion by 2029². With this expansion, e-commerce merchants in Singapore can now offer their customers an international shipping solution with prices that offer greater value, while ensuring most shipments will be delivered between 2 to 3 business days to the U.S. and Europe.
Key benefits of FICP for e-tailers and their customers include:
• Greater value – FICP allows businesses to enjoy greater savings at competitive day-definite transits and provide their customers greater value by matching attractive prices with their specific delivery needs.
• Flexibility and control – Besides home delivery, the FICP service enables e-tailers to give their end customers the flexibility to pick up their package from hundreds of available pick-up locations, and the option to change delivery date and location.
• Seamless Integration – Both online and offline shipping automation solutions are available for e-tailers to enjoy a paperless experience.
• Peace of mind – FedEx’s extensive parcel tracking capabilities give e-tailers and customers visibility throughout the entire delivery journey.
• Flexibility and control – Besides home delivery, the FICP service enables e-tailers to give their end customers the flexibility to pick up their package from hundreds of available pick-up locations, and the option to change delivery date and location.
• Seamless Integration – Both online and offline shipping automation solutions are available for e-tailers to enjoy a paperless experience.
• Peace of mind – FedEx’s extensive parcel tracking capabilities give e-tailers and customers visibility throughout the entire delivery journey.
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“As e-commerce continues to redefine global trade, FedEx® International Connect Plus enables local SMEs to expand their global reach with greater speed and efficiency,” said Eric Tan, Managing Director of FedEx Singapore.
“This service reflects our commitment to delivering innovative, value-driven solutions that empower e-tailers to enhance their competitiveness in international markets. By delivering faster and more cost-effective shipping options, we aim to fuel the growth of Singaporean businesses and elevate the experience of their customers.”
FedEx provides end-to-end e-commerce solutions that make order fulfillment easy and efficient for merchants while offering convenience and reliability for customers receiving deliveries. FICP comes with the reliability of FedEx international, day-definite delivery service, coupled with its customs clearance expertise. It is further supported with capabilities including tracking, sending notifications to recipients, and flexible delivery options and visibility features via FedEx Delivery Manager® International.
FICP also offers Picture Proof of Delivery to provide visual confirmation of delivery and reassure recipients that their package has been delivered, even when they may not be at home to receive it.