Publications
Trade policy and internal market analyses by the National Board of Trade, Sweden, are listed here. You are welcome to download them free of charge. If you are looking for a specific topic, use Search at the top of this page, then filter on Publications.
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Addressing Fragmentation for a Global Circular Economy
Published: 2024
Many new laws and regulations are currently being developed to promote the transition to a circular economy. However, the flora of requirements risks creating problems for companies that must adapt their products to varying rules on different markets. This report shows that there are ways to promote greater...
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Do Rules of Origin Rule Free Trade?
Published: 2024
Rules of origin play a central role in enabling companies to benefit from tariff reductions in free trade agreements. The rules differ depending on the agreement, and the manufacturers’ ability to comply with them varies. But there is no specific type of rules of origin that is easier or more difficult to fulfill,...
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Nuclear Power and International Trade
Published: 2024
This report examines how trade policy could help to reduce the costs of nuclear power. This will contribute towards the commitment to treble nuclear energy capacity made by more than 20 countries, including Sweden, at the UN’s latest climate meeting COP 28.
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Possibilities for an Expansion of the WTO Information Technology Agreement, ITA3
Published: 2024
The Information Technology Agreement (ITA) is one of the WTO's most successful agreements and has led to the elimination of tariffs for many products. However, even more goods could be included in the ITA, including 3D printers, drones and smart wearables that can improve health or warn of risks.
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The EU Single Market in the Digital Era
Published: 2024
This report provides an overall picture of how the European Union is adapting its single market legislation to the digital economy and a digital reality. Karin Atthoff, the author of the report, tells more.
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Customs duties on electronic transmissions – why the WTO moratorium matters
Published: 2024
Today, countries are prohibited from imposing tariffs on electronic transmissions. If the countries attending the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Abu Dhabi do not agree to extend the moratorium, we are facing a very uncertain digital trade environment with potential tariffs and customs procedures on electronic...
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The underappreciated role of imports
Published: 2023
The global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine, have taught us that global shocks can have devastating economic consequences. While knee-jerk reactions sometimes blame external dependence for this, there is strong evidence that economic integration strengthens both competitiveness and...
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Potential Impacts of EU Due Diligence Obligations on Companies’ Suppliers in Developing Countries
Published: 2023
This report is about the impact EU legislation on due diligence could have on EU companies’ suppliers in developing countries. Trade Policy Adviser Kim Larsson tells more.
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Circular Economy Product Labels
Published: 2023
Products on the European market are subject to multiple labelling requirements relating to the circular economy. Companies that want to sell their products in Europe must adapt to these requirements, in both national regulations and EU law. In this study, the National Board of Trade maps out these requirements and...
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The E-Commerce Negotiations in the WTO: Understanding non-participation
Published: 2023
Several WTO members are negotiating the first true comprehensive legal framework for e-commerce. However, very few African countries are involved. This report examines why and suggests actions to convince more countries to participate. Emma Sävenborg, the author of the report, explains.
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Do Provisions in Free Trade Agreements Diversify Trade?
Published: 2023
Do free trade agreements (FTAs) lead to more diversified trade? It depends on which partner you look at and how ambitious the agreement is. This PM is a first step in understanding whether free trade agreements lead to more diversified world trade.
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Government subsidies in manufacturing sectors
Published: 2023
For a constructive debate on subsidies, reliable and internationally comparable information regarding what and how much each party spends on government subsidies is crucial. This report documents the most important data sources available and highlights key differences between sources as well as advantages and...
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The importance of imports for productivity and exports
Published: 2023
Despite the close link between imports and exports, most of the analysis and policy discussions have traditionally focused on how to strengthen exports, without further consideration of the potential for imports. Against this background, this paper aims to highlight the link between imports, productivity and exports.
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Productivity Effects of Foreign Acquisitions in Sweden: A sectoral analysis
Published: 2023
Companies that are bought up by foreign owners increase their productivity. The greatest increase in productivity is seen in very small companies in the service sector. This is shown by an economic analysis carried out by Kommerskollegium before Sweden introduces a mechanism to review foreign direct investments.
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The WTO Appellate Body Crisis
Published: 2023
The WTO Appellate Body has not been functioning since the end of 2019. The WTO Members have, however, agreed to have a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system that is accessible to all WTO Members by 2024. An informal process is now underway to restart operations.
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The Swedish market for processed food
Published: 2023
In 2021, the Swedish food market was worth USD 32.3 billion. Because of its northern location, Sweden’s growing season is relatively short. The country relies on imports of foods. This market study aims at helping food exporters to get acquainted with the Swedish market.
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The Swedish Market for Food ingredients
Published: 2023
In this study, you will get to know the Swedish market for food ingredients, such as turmeric, groundnuts, carrageenan, and guar gum.
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The Role of Trade in the Green Transition
Published: 2023
Trade policy can play a key role in facilitating the green transition. However, trade barriers on environmental goods make the green transition more expensive than necessary. In an attempt to address these barriers, several countries include specific environmental goods provisions in their regional trade agreements.
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Innovation, AI, Technical Regulation and Trade
Published: 2023
In this report, the National Board of Trade Sweden highlights the challenges that digital innovation creates for technical regulation. The report questions whether artificial intelligence and cyber vulnerabilities are changing the way industrial goods, such as some smartphones, medical devices, and vehicles with...
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The New Gains from Trade
Published: 2023
This brief introduces the latest generation of trade research. The purpose is to help policymakers formulate an evidence-based trade policy for the future.