Sweden, with a GDP of $610 billion (2024) and a population of 10.7 million, is the largest Nordic economy and boasts a transparent, highly developed, sophisticated and diversified market with few barriers to entry. Sweden ranks among top 10 worldwide on several competitiveness studies (WEF, IMD). This is due in part to Sweden’s export-oriented manufacturing sector, competitive small and medium-sized enterprises, and budgetary discipline. Sweden also consistently ranks high for its connectivity, governance, investment in R&D, and business climate. As such, many foreign firms establish operations in Sweden when looking to enter or expand into the Nordics and/or the Baltics.
In 2024, U.S. merchandise exports to Sweden were valued at $8.2 billion and imports were $18 billion, generating a trade deficit of $9.8 billion. The U.S. exported $8.1 billion in services to Sweden in 2024 and imported $5.3 billion, generating a trade surplus of $2.8 billion. The top five categories for U.S. exports to Sweden in 2024 include chemicals, oil & gas products, computers and electronic products, transportation equipment and machinery. Best prospect categories for future exports include industries such as defense/aerospace, telecommunications, healthcare/life sciences, information technologies, safety/security, industrial machinery, and renewable energy.
Political Environment
Visit State Department’s website for background on Sweden’s political and economic environment.