Global trade flows are changing faster than at any time in history. This is the year 2025. The promising markets of yesterday may carry a lot of risks now: a wave of new tariffs, trade agreements, and sanctions changes the face of International Trade dramatically. At the same time, markets nobody heard of even a few years back now come to the scene, bringing opportunities.
In this article, we spotlight 5 export markets that are opening, offering exciting new potential for growth and diversification, and explain why they matter now.
1.Vietnam: New manufacturing powerhouse in Asia
Why it’s opening:
Vietnam appeared to be a big winner in the trade tension between the USA and China. Many companies are moving production from China to Vietnam to avoid tariffs. According to the World Bank, Vietnam’s local population exceeds 100 million people, and the economy is forecasted to grow more than 6% annually.
Trade agreements:
Vietnam is part of a few major trade agreements that makes trade easy with ASEAN countries, the EU, Canada, Australia, China and Japan.
Export opportunities:
- Electronics and machinery: Vietnam will play an important role with productions of smartphones and industrial equipment
- Textiles and apparel
- Agrifood
- Green energy and clean tech
SME business tip: Consider partnering with local distributors to overcome cultural barriers and other complexities.
2.India: The next giant of diversified exports
Why it’s opening:
India is in the process of signing several Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). They just signed one with Australia and are negotiating ones with the UK and the EU. India is the biggest country on our planet and also one of the fastest-growing economies (6,5-7% projected annually). The Indian government is pushing the “Made in India” perspective, but the market is very attractive for exporters anyway.
Export opportunities:
- Machinery and Industrial Equipment
- Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
- Food and Beverages: Processed foods, health foods — a rising middle class.
- Technology: booming tech hubs.
India is a strong exporter of machinery, pharmaceuticals, and tech itself, but the growing market and new standards create massive opportunities for imports from other countries.
SME business tip: India is known for its regulatory complexity, also the country can be bureaucratic. So, strong local partnerships with respected parties are key. Exporters should be prepared for price sensitivity and tough negotiations.
3.Mexico: The Nearshoring Champion
Why it’s opening:
Companies relocate their production sites to Mexico to shorten their supply chain to the North American markets: Canada and the US. Until the most recent changes in Trump’s administration trade policies (25% tariff on merchandise from Mexico), the country benefited from the duty-free access to the neighboring countries.
Export opportunities:
- Automotive parts and machinery: Mexico’s auto sector is expanding with EV opportunities.
- Electronics manufacturing: Consumer electronics and semiconductors.
- Food and Beverages
SME business tip: Mexico was considered economically stable until the most recent tariff war. Monitor the changes to predict risks.
4.Chile: Gateway to Latin America
Why it’s opening:
Back in 2023, the EU government signed a trade agreement with Chile to reduce tariffs and liberalize services. Also, Chile becomes a Latin American leader in a few important industries, e.g. Renewable energy
Export opportunities:
- Mining tech and equipment: Critical minerals (lithium) demand is growing.
- Renewable energy: Solar, wind, and green hydrogen projects are booming.
- Professional services: clean energy consulting, supply chain management.
SME business tip: Use Chile as a hub to access broader Pacific Alliance markets. It makes sense to emphasize the sustainability credentials of your product/service. Chile values green tech.
5.Kenya: Eastern Africa’s fast-rising star
Why it’s opening:
Kenya has come a long way with political and economic reforms. This boosts investors’ confidence. Also, local cities Mombasa and Nairobi become local supply chain hubs.
Export opportunities:
- Agritech and food processing: very high demand for machinery and technologies.
- Healthcare and medical devices: government investment and a growing middle class.
- Digital services and fintech
SME business tip: Kenya is a good entry point for East Africa. It’s possible to expand to neighboring countries after that. Focus on affordable, a low price effective solutions, and be prepared to put a lot of effort into the negotiations.
