Analysis: The EU’s Free Trade Agreements – a tool to enhance crisis preparedness

Free trade agreements (FTAs) have untapped potential to strengthen the EU’s crisis preparedness. Recent global shocks – such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine – have exposed vulnerabilities in the EU’s supply chains. This analysis explores how FTAs can help keep trade flowing during...

Strengthened free trade agreements can improve the EU’s crisis preparedness

Free trade agreements (FTAs) can play a crucial role in helping the EU to respond in times of crisis. By including mechanisms such as early warning systems or joint monitoring of supply chains for essential goods and services, FTAs can help keep trade flowing during disruptions.

Trade policy for a new era – join the 2025 Heckscher-Ohlin Conference in Stockholm

How can research better support evidence-based trade policy? On 16 October 2025, leading international researchers and policymakers will explore this question in Stockholm at this year’s edition of the Heckscher-Ohlin Conference.

The Swedish market for processed food

Sweden imported approximately SEK 225.3 billion worth of agricultural and food products in 2024. This market study offers insights and supports actionable strategies for exporters of processed foods to establish a foothold in Sweden. It presents an overview of the current situation in the Swedish market, how Swedish...

Mai Ahrne Bojang

Mikael Lagging

EU-days Lund 2025: The EU:s Internal Market – its development since EU enlargement 1995 and going forward

The National Board of Trade Sweden will arrange a seminar during the EU Days Lund 2025. EU Days Lund is organised by the City of Lund, Lund University, the European Commission Representation in Sweden and Europe Direct Lund.

Mariana Meoniz

WTO Trade and Environment Week: Securing and decarbonising value chains

Meet the National Board of Trade´s trade policy adviser Erik Merkus at WTO Trade and Environment Week, who will discuss how trade policy can assist private sector companies to secure and decarbonise their value chains.

Per Altenberg

Fanny Abrahamsson

Moldovan agribusinesses find fertile ground in Sweden with OTGS support

Ambitious Moldovan companies are opening new paths into the Swedish and EU markets, supported by the expert guidance of Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS). With hands-on support, targeted training, and tailored matchmaking, OTGS empowers businesses to succeed in some of the world’s most competitive markets.

Uncertainty in Standardisation

The EU’s system for product rules depends on harmonised standards. But a recent court ruling has created legal uncertainty about public access and copyright. This puts the current model for developing standards at risk – and with it, the EU’s ability to support safe, green, and digital products across the internal...

Uncertainty in EU standardisation threatens product legislation

A recent EU court ruling on public access to standards has raised concerns about the future of the EU’s product regulation framework. A new policy brief warns that legal uncertainty could undermine both sustainability efforts and the internal market.

Ebba Akterin

Trump tariffs, global crisis, and ways forward

The global trading system has been significantly shaken to the core. In recent weeks, we have seen the largest US tariff increases since the Smoot-Hawley tariffs of 1930.

Trade policy can accelerate electrification

Electrification of Sweden’s transport and industry sectors is integral to achieving Sweden’s climate goals, strengthening competitiveness and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. A new report from the National Board of Trade examines how trade policy can contribute to electrification.

Trade Policy for Electrification

Electrification is a key strategy for achieving Sweden’s climate goals, driving competitiveness, and reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels. Replacing fossil fuel driven technologies and processes in transport and industry with electrified alternatives is expected to lead to a large increase in electricity use,...

Vilgot Hassler

The Impact of Foreign Acquisitions on Swedish Firms’ Carbon Emissions and Energy Use

Swedish firms have lower carbon and energy intensities in their production after foreign acquisition, according to this report from the National Board of Trade Sweden. This finding is stronger for more carbon- and energy-intensive firms. With this in mind, there is hardly ground for environmental considerations to be...