Trouble on the global trade policy horizon

Concern is growing for global trade policy. Historically speaking, this is unsurprising as periods of two or more rivals fighting for geopolitical supremacy are usually associated with growing tensions and increased protectionism.

Anna Goffe Johnsson

Important but modest success as WTO e-commerce negotiations are finalised

On 26 July an important step was taken towards establishing global rules on digital trade, as the plurilateral Joint Statement Initiative on Electronic Commerce (JSI on e-commerce) concluded after five years of negotiations in the WTO. The finalised text, which was announced in a declaration on behalf of the...

New trade agreement for climate change leaves door open for countries to join

On Tuesday 2 July, Ministers for Trade from New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway, Costa Rica and Iceland announced the conclusion of negotiations on an Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), the first such agreement to seriously address climate issues.

Ukraine's integration with the EU in trade

We are cooperating with Ukraine in a number of areas to promote Ukraine's integration with the EU in the field of trade.

The circular economy requires globally agreed definitions – can we agree on the colour green?

As environmental pressures increase, policymakers all over the world are taking action to promote the shift to a circular economic model. However, there is no uniform global definition of what circularity is or what is required of a product for it to be circular, and regulatory fragmentation increases.

Free Trade Agreement more than doubles trade between the EU and Ukraine

In a new analysis, the National Board of Trade Sweden evaluates the effects of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) between the EU and Ukraine, showing that the agreement has resulted in their trade doubling.

Trade Effects of the EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement

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.

Lovi Nordgren

Potential trade challenges arising from recent EU regulations

There is a risk that the cumulative effects of the many new regulations introduced by the European Union will have undesirable consequences for trade with and investment by countries outside the EU. This is the finding of a new report from the National Board of Trade Sweden, which also contains a number of...

The Cumulative Effect of EU Regulations on External Trade

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.

Ulrika Johannessen

The EU's single market is underperforming – we have to change that!

The EU's single market and its contribution to the Union's competitiveness are once again at the centre of interest in Brussels. That is not something new. Efforts to improve the now over 30-year-old single market have been ongoing for a long time. Despite this, the single market continues to underperform.

The Impact of Energy Costs on Trade and Production in Sweden

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.

How energy costs affect firms´ decisions

What decisions do firms take in fluctuating energy costs situations? Data shows that higher energy costs are associated with lower exports. However, exporting firms are better able to adjust product prices, than non-trading firms, according to a new analysis.

Ulrika Sanded

Edvin Johannesson

Hannes Berggren

Adrian Huddén

Trade policy can be used to a greater extent to strengthen the EU’s resilience and security

The new European Commission must use trade as a tool to strengthen the EU’s resilience and security. The Commission should also strive to reach an agreement in the WTO to prohibit fossil fuel subsidies. These are some of the recommendations of the National Board of Trade Sweden to the new European Commission.