Sweden is an industrial country moving away from industry to a large knowledge-based service sector. Due to the availability of raw material, traditional manufacturing industries still play an important role in the Swedish economy. However, the service sector is now the largest employer in Sweden and accounts for more than 75 percent of the Swedish workforce.
As an EU member state, the Swedish market is strongly integrated with the European market. Sweden is one of the world-leading nations in research, in areas such as biotechnology, medical innovations, microelectronics and space. An important area in the Swedish market is also ITC (Information Technology & Communication).
The Swedish market is highly developed and competition is fierce. For this reason, it can be difficult to enter the Swedish market but once you have established good business relationships, there is a strong potential for flourishing business.
The price awareness and the purchasing power are high in the Swedish market and the consumers are used to a relatively high standard of living. This has created Swedish market trends and some of them have become reality, such as gender equality and CSR.
The Swedish Market FAQ
Population: 9.4 million
Business Language: Swedish, English
System of Government: Parliamentary Democracy, Constitutional Monarchy
Climate: Temperate Zone (cold winter and short summer)
Area: 450,295 km2
Forest area: 260,000 km2
Agricultural area: 35,000 km2
Links:
The Official Gateway to Sweden
Information about Swedish society, economy, government, education, culture, nature, tourism, etc. in several languages. News, maps and weather reports.
www.sweden.se
Swedish Diplomatic Missions Abroad
Swedish Embassies and Consulates
www.swedenabroad.com
The Swedish Diplomatic List
Foreign Missions accredited to Sweden
www.regeringen.se
Confederation of Swedish Enterprise
The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise is a business federation for employers.
www.svensktnaringsliv.se
Invest Sweden
Invest Sweden Agency is a government agency responsible for informing foreign investors about business opportunities in Sweden. Companies planning to establish or expand business operations in Sweden can, free of charge, obtain information and assistance.
www.investsweden.se
Swedish Trade Council
The Swedish Trade Council has information about Swedish exports and exporters. Find partners and suppliers in Sweden as well as Swedish organisations and Sweden-related companies in your country.
www.swedishtrade.com
Swedish Federation of Trade
The Swedish Federation of Trade has information about the Swedish market, customs, duties and trade regulations.
www.svenskhandel.se
The Swedish Association of Agents
The Swedish Association of Agents is an independent, non-political Swedish trade organisation. Three separate divisions have been set up for the busiest branch activities of textiles, footwear and electrical/electronic products.
www.agenturforetagen.se
ICC Sweden
The Swedish National Committee of the International Chambers of Commerce
www.icc.se
Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation, Sida
The Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation, Sida, is a government agency under the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Sida's goal is to contribute to making it possible for poor people to improve their living conditions.
www.sida.se
National Board of Trade
The National Board of Trade is a governmental agency and the central administrative body in Sweden dealing with foreign trade and trade policy. The Board provides the Government with analyses and recommendations.
www.kommers.se
Open Trade Gate Sweden
Open Trade Gate Sweden works in close cooperation with a number of governmental agencies and private sector organisations related to international trade issues.
www.opentradegate.se
Swedish Companies Registration Office
Swedish Companies Registration Office offers current information on Sweden's enterprises.
www.bolagsverket.se
Trade Fairs in Sweden
Through Fairlink, the Scandinavian Trade Fair Council, you can find trade fairs and trade fair organisers in Sweden and Scandinavia.
www.fairlink.se
Yellow Pages (Gula Sidorna - only in Swedish language)
Most Swedish companies are listed in the Swedish Yellow Pages.
www.gulasidorna.se
The Swedish Institute
The Swedish Institute (SI) is a public agency that promotes interest and confidence in Sweden around the world. SI seeks to establish cooperation and lasting relations with other countries through strategic communication and exchange in the fields of culture, education, science and business.
www.si.se
The Swedish Tax Agency
www.skatteverket.se