Hungarian exports are gaining new momentum: medium-sized companies are increasingly managing exchange rate risk and opening up to new markets

In addition to the stable trends, the rapid revival of trade relations with Scandinavian countries – especially Norway – is noteworthy. The value of Hungarian exports increased by more than 60% year-on-year in 2024, and the trend will continue in 2025. This suggests that Northern Europe could become a new, promising target market for Hungarian companies operating in the technology and industrial sectors.

SMEs are the foundation of the Hungarian economy – yet they have difficulty accessing professional exchange rate hedging tools

According to the European Commission’s SME Fact Sheet 2025 report, SMEs account for more than 65% of domestic private sector employment and nearly 55% of gross value added. Forecasts for 2025 show a slight but stable employment growth (+0.3%) and a favorable outlook for high-productivity, export-oriented sectors.

However, one of the biggest challenges for medium-sized companies remains the proper management of exchange rate risk – and this is precisely where the banking sector’s offering is often lacking.

Traditional banks often do not provide SMEs with the level of exchange rate hedging solutions and unique conditions that these companies need. For this reason, a significant part of companies remains vulnerable to currency market fluctuations.

That is why Akcenta is the number one partner for small and medium-sized enterprises in effective currency risk management.

The vast majority of its clients are SMEs, which receive unique exchange rates, fast international payments and hedging instruments that they would often not be able to access through traditional banks.

“Margin stability is not a matter of luck”

With continuous exchange rate movements against the euro and the dollar, companies cannot rely solely on experience or intuition. Conscious risk management is now of strategic importance, especially in the manufacturing and technology sectors. The stability of margins is not a matter of luck: companies that actively use hedging solutions gain a clear competitive advantage

– says Eduárd Kusala, Commercial Director of Akcenta in Hungary.

According to the expert, a change is noticeable among SMEs: more and more enterprises are turning to professional foreign exchange management solutions, and fewer and fewer rely solely on basic bank offers, which are often not flexible enough or not favorable for them.

Sándor Demján Program – state support for exporters producing high added value

In addition to natural export growth, the Hungarian government has launched several initiatives to develop medium-sized enterprises. The Demján Sándor Program, launched in 2024, will support high value-added sectors – from industrial production to ICT services – with a budget of HUF 45 billion until 2028. The goal is to increase the innovation capacity, internationalization and competitiveness resilience of SMEs.

With professional financial risk management and targeted state support, the further development of medium-sized exporters will be decisive for Hungary to maintain its position as one of the most open and dynamic export markets in Central Europe.