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.

Seminar: Sanctions and commercial arbitration

Welcome to an in-person panel discussion on sanctions and commercial arbitration!

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

Greener production after foreign acquisitions

Foreign investments are linked to lower carbon and energy intensities of Swedish firms, facilitating the green transition. This is shown in a new report by the National Board of Trade Sweden.

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...

The EU–US tariffs and trade

On this page, you will find our analyses of the EU–US trade and trade policy.

Tariffs do not improve trade balance

A new empirical study shows that higher tariffs are not an effective way to reduce a country's trade deficit.

Tariffs do not Improve the Trade Balance

A central premise of US trade policy under the Trump administration is the idea that higher tariffs reduce the trade deficit. At first glance, this may seem logical. However, there is no correlation between high tariffs and a positive trade balance. In fact, a policy mix that includes higher tariffs is more likely to...

A revised GDPR can boost EU’s digital trade and competitiveness

The GDPR has set a global benchmark for data privacy, strengthening trust and influencing international regulations. However, it has also introduced regulatory uncertainty, high compliance costs, and barriers to cross-border data flows, which have reduced EU trade and productivity.

The GDPR and International Trade

Data regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can strengthen global data privacy standards and increase trust, thereby benefiting trade. However, the GDPR has also created regulatory uncertainty, increased compliance costs, and hampered cross-border data flows, which have negatively affected EU...

Dario Iulianella

Ukrainian food companies explore Swedish market with OTGS support

A Ukrainian food business is working to expand its exports to Sweden and the EU, receiving guidance and support from Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS). By participating in trade fairs and gaining insights into market requirements, this business is taking important steps towards establishing a presence in the Swedish and...

Revitalising the single market for services

The services sector plays a central role for productivity, competitiveness, and inclusive growth in the modern economy. Services account for three-quarters of the EU's GDP, create 9 out of 10 new jobs, and are crucial for the success of the green and digital transition.

The Swedish market for apparel and home textiles

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.

Analysis: Foreign Owners Boost Swedish Productivity

A new analysis by the Swedish National Board of Trade reveals that productivity in Swedish companies increases after foreign acquisitions—but the effects vary depending on the origin of the new owners.