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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The Swedish market for apparel and home textiles
Published: 2025 (new updated edition)
Sweden has a renowned fashion and home textiles industry, fronted by international giants like H&M and IKEA. These are followed by a number of brands (also) operating on an international stage.
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Analys: Multinational firms and productivity
Published: 2025
In this analysis, the Swedish National Board of Trade has examined what happens to the productivity of Swedish companies that are acquired by foreign firms. Do the effects differ depending on whether the new owners are from Europe, North America, or Asia?
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Navigating Cross-Border Data Flows and the GDPR
Published: 2025
Limiting cross-border data flows can negatively affect economic growth. Businesses face specific challenges with regards to cross-border data transfers. This report analyses these challenges from a trade policy perspective and gives recommendations that could reduce regulatory complexity for international businesses.
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Trade policy for the age of AI
Published: 2025
This policy brief examines the role of trade policy in enhancing the European Union’s (EU) competitiveness within an increasingly AI-driven global economy. It argues that achieving competitiveness in the age of AI requires access to essential inputs, including data, computing power, energy, connectivity, capital, and...
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The Swedish market for fresh fruit and vegetables
Published: 2024 (new updated edition)
Sweden relies heavily on fresh fruit and vegetable imports. In 2023, developing countries supplied Sweden with 215 thousand tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables. These primarily consisted of bananas (74 per cent), followed by oranges (6 per cent), apples, mandarins and potatoes (2 per cent each).
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The Swedish market for financial technology
Published: 2024 (new updated edition)
This market study provides a comprehensive guide for companies in developing countries that are interested in entering the Swedish market for financial technology (fintech). It aims to offer valuable insights and support actionable strategies for service providers and product/solution providers looking to establish...
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Mapping trade-related agreements
Published: 2024
This report maps and analyses a certain type of trade cooperation that is taking place outside of formal trade policy. We call this form of cooperation ‘trade-related agreements’ (TRAs), the scope of which differs from previously established terms like ‘mini deals’.
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The Swedish market for gaming
Published: 2024
The Swedish gaming market is at the cutting edge of technological innovation and industry growth.This study explores key trends that are shaping the industry, including advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR).
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The Swedish market for IT services
Published: 2024 (new updated edition)
Sweden is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. It is the birthplace of many well-known global tech brands in various sectors that play a leading role in the world. IT is an ever-growing industry with a great need for expertise. The purpose of this market study is to provide a comprehensive...
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Time for an EU-US digital agreement
Published: 2024
In response to rising geopolitical tensions, both the EU and the US are increasingly restricting the cross-border flow of trade and investments. This analysis proposes that the EU should seek a digital agreement with the US.
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The Costly Impact of Trump's proposed Tariffs
Published: 2024
This analysis examines the potential effects of the United States implementing a tariff regime with additional tariffs on imports from China and other countries, as pledged by Donald Trump ahead of the upcoming November 2024 election. The findings indicate that all analysed countries and regions would experience...
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Cloud Services and Export Performance
Published: 2024
Swedish companies using cloud services tend to be more international, exporting to a wider range of markets. A new report highlights key benefits for smaller firms in terms of productivity and global expansion, while also stressing the need to reduce trade barriers, particularly between the EU and the USA.
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Trade Effects of the EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement
Published: 2024
The free trade agreement between the EU and Ukraine (DCFTA) has resulted in their trade doubling. Further economic integration with the EU is important for Ukraine's economic recovery and future stability, according to a new analysis from the National Board of Trade Sweden.
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The Cumulative Effect of EU Regulations on External Trade
Published: 2024
There is a risk that the many new regulations introduced by the European Union will have undesirable consequences for trade with third countries. This may result in welfare losses for the EU as a whole and, in the long term, damage the image of the EU as a trading partner.
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The Impact of Energy Costs on Trade and Production in Sweden
Published: 2024
Energy costs have long been very stable, but they increased rapidly in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This analysis looks at the relationship between energy costs, industrial production, and international trade for Swedish firms in the period between 2007 and 2021.
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Making the EU Safer, Greener, more Competitive and Digitalised
Published: 2024
Trade policy can contribute to make the EU safer, greener, more competitive and digitalised. The National Board of Trade Sweden has structured trade policy recommendations to the new European Commission around these four areas.
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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 fulfil,...
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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.