Small Business International Expansion: 2026 Logistics Strategy Guide

DHL has released a strategic guide designed to help small businesses successfully navigate international expansion in 2026. The resource addresses the operational complexities that emerge when companies move from domestic to global markets, including logistics infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and supply chain orchestration. This guidance is particularly timely as more small and mid-market enterprises seek to capitalize on growing international demand and cross-border e-commerce opportunities.

For supply chain professionals supporting small business growth, this guidance underscores the importance of early logistics planning during expansion phases. International operations introduce layers of complexity—from tariff classification and customs documentation to carrier selection and network design—that require strategic foresight. Companies that establish robust logistics foundations before scaling internationally avoid costly delays, compliance violations, and service failures that can undermine market entry.

The 2026 outlook reflects a maturing global logistics ecosystem where small businesses increasingly have access to the same network capabilities and data visibility that historically favored larger enterprises. However, success still depends on thoughtful partner selection, regulatory preparation, and supply chain design that accounts for regulatory, financial, and operational risks across multiple jurisdictions.