Common Specifications: Fallback or challenge for harmonised standards within the EU?

European harmonised standards have long been the primary tool businesses use to demonstrate compliance with EU product legislation, supporting innovation, legal certainty and competitiveness. However, delays in their availability have created challenges, leaving companies facing uncertainty and higher compliance costs.

African countries leaving LDC status – new trade conditions

Several African countries are preparing to leave the UN’s category of least developed countries (LDCs). This is a positive step, but it also means that key trade preferences will gradually disappear.

LDC Graduation: Challenges and opportunities for EU–African trade

An increasing number of African countries are preparing to leave the UN’s category of least developed countries (LDCs). This analysis focuses on how that changes the conditions for trade. New opportunities may arise – both for countries that graduate and for those that remain in the LDC group.

Asia’s emerging markets grow in importance for Sweden and the EU

As the global economy evolves, Asia’s emerging markets are taking on an increasingly important role. Their strong economic development creates both opportunities and challenges for trade relations with Sweden and the EU.

Rethinking Trade with Asia

Asia’s emerging markets show strong economic growth, increasing in importance for Sweden and the EU. The report highlights the role of free trade agreements and examines how Sweden and the EU can balance economic opportunities with geopolitical realities in Asia.

Report irregularities in the National Board of Trade’s operations

Swedish law provides protection for individuals who report workplace irregularities, known as whistleblowing. Here is information on how to report irregularities at the National Board of Trade Sweden and what protection you have.

Roger Fagerdahl

Yahye Yasin Khalif

Kristoffer Darin-Mattsson

Bolivian food companies navigate EU trade with OTGS at their side

Bolivian food producers are taking important steps towards expanding their presence in the Swedish and EU markets, supported by the expert guidance of Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS). Through tailored coaching, practical training, and targeted matchmaking, OTGS is helping exporters showcase their products while also...

Malin Gisslén

The EU should form a new rule-based trade coalition

In an analysis, the National Board of Trade Sweden proposes that the EU establish a new trade coalition together with like-minded countries in order to revitalise the rule-based trading system.

A New Trade Policy Era – the need for a rule-based trade coalition

In an analysis, the National Board of Trade Sweden proposes that the new era created in the international trade structure means that the EU should build new support frameworks together with like-minded partners to revitalise a rule-based trading system.

Hillevi Pårup

The Swedish market for cybersecurity

This study focuses on cybersecurity services and aims to offer valuable insights and support actionable strategies for service providers seeking to establish a presence in Sweden. It outlines key market trends, details regulatory and technical requirements, and provides guidance for identifying and securing business...

Priorities for EU digital trade in a new world order

As the global landscape shifts, the EU faces a window of opportunity to lead in digital trade. To seize this moment, the EU must adopt digital regulatory and trade policy fit for the age of AI.

The 2025 Heckscher-Ohlin Conference

The Heckscher-Ohlin conference aims to bridge contemporary research and policymaking by bringing together leading trade economists and practitioners, with the goal making trade policy more firmly evidence-based. With 2025 marking a new era for international trade, this year’s conference will focus on the challenges...

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.