Publications

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Circular Economy Product Labels

Published: 2023

Products on the European market are subject to multiple labelling requirements relating to the circular economy. Companies that want to sell their products in Europe must adapt to these requirements, in both national regulations and EU law. In this study, the National Board of Trade maps out these requirements and...

The E-Commerce Negotiations in the WTO: Understanding non-participation

Published: 2023

Several WTO members are negotiating the first true comprehensive legal framework for e-commerce. However, very few African countries are involved. This report examines why and suggests actions to convince more countries to participate. Emma Sävenborg, the author of the report, explains.

Do Provisions in Free Trade Agreements Diversify Trade?

Published: 2023

Do free trade agreements (FTAs) lead to more diversified trade? It depends on which partner you look at and how ambitious the agreement is. This PM is a first step in understanding whether free trade agreements lead to more diversified world trade.

Government subsidies in manufacturing sectors

Published: 2023

For a constructive debate on subsidies, reliable and internationally comparable information regarding what and how much each party spends on government subsidies is crucial. However, there is a lack of data on subsidies in the manufacturing sector. As a result, there is little empirical evidence on the relationship...

The importance of imports for productivity and exports

Published: 2023

Despite the close link between imports and exports, most of the analysis and policy discussions have traditionally focused on how to strengthen exports, without further consideration of the potential for imports. Against this background, this paper aims to highlight the link between imports, productivity and exports.

Productivity Effects of Foreign Acquisitions in Sweden: A sectoral analysis

Published: 2023

Companies that are bought up by foreign owners increase their productivity. The greatest increase in productivity is seen in very small companies in the service sector. This is shown by an economic analysis carried out by Kommerskollegium before Sweden introduces a mechanism to review foreign direct investments.

The WTO Appellate Body Crisis

Published: 2023

The WTO Appellate Body has not been functioning since the end of 2019. The WTO Members have, however, agreed to have a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system that is accessible to all WTO Members by 2024. An informal process is now underway to restart operations.

The Swedish market for processed food

Published: 2023

In 2021, the Swedish food market was worth USD 32.3 billion. Because of its northern location, Sweden’s growing season is relatively short. The country relies on imports of foods. This market study aims at helping food exporters to get acquainted with the Swedish market.

The Swedish Market for Food ingredients

Published: 2023

In this study, you will get to know the Swedish market for food ingredients, such as turmeric, groundnuts, carrageenan, and guar gum.

The Role of Trade in the Green Transition

Published: 2023

Trade policy can play a key role in facilitating the green transition. However, trade barriers on environmental goods make the green transition more expensive than necessary. In an attempt to address these barriers, several countries include specific environmental goods provisions in their regional trade agreements.

Innovation, AI, Technical Regulation and Trade

Published: 2023

In this report, the National Board of Trade Sweden highlights the challenges that digital innovation creates for technical regulation. The report questions whether artificial intelligence and cyber vulnerabilities are changing the way industrial goods, such as some smartphones, medical devices, and vehicles with...

The New Gains from Trade

Published: 2023

This brief introduces the latest generation of trade research. The purpose is to help policymakers formulate an evidence-based trade policy for the future.

Trade rules for a circular economy

Published: 2023

Being able to buy and sell used and recycled batteries is vital to the green transition. Batteries are needed for vehicles and for solar parks. In this report, we have examined the challenges posed by regulations on the export and import of used batteries, which are often classified as waste.

The Swedish Market for Financial Technology

Published: 2022

This market study helps in your research on the Swedish market for financial technology (fintech). It gives an overview of the industry, trends, requirements and potential business partners. Moreover, representatives of fast-growing Swedish fintechs share their recent experience of the market.

How can SOLVIT further enhance compliance with EU law

Published: 2022

The SOLVIT network has been given new tasks, regulated by existing or new binding legal acts from the EU. The network has also been linked more closely to the EU Commission's compliance work. There is a need to further develop SOLVIT and in this report we discuss how SOLVIT's legal basis could be changed.

The Swedish Market for Green Coffee Beans

Published: 2022

Producers and exporters of green coffee beans, interested in the Swedish market, will find important information on the size and characteristics of the market. Swedish buyers share their knowledge on market trends and buyer requirements.

Guide to Effective Online Business Communication

Published: 2022

With digital business communication, you can now promote your products and interact with international buyers at a lower cost and on a larger scale than ever before. This guide helps companies perform their online business communication in an efficient way.

Green Services in the Single Market

Published: 2022

Trade in services is key in achieving the green transition. This report shows the role of services, and how they can contribute, with focus on the EU. However, there are barriers to trade in these services, barriers that the EU and the Member States should try to eliminate.

Perspectives on the Economic Effects of FDI and Investment Screening

Published: 2022

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a key driver of economic growth and welfare. This analysis discusses how security and economic concerns should be balanced when deciding on a foreign direct investment screening mechanism.

An All-Star Approach to Regulatory Cooperation in the Area of Technical Barriers to Trade

Published: 2022

In this report by the National Board of Trade Sweden, we identify best practices for international regulatory cooperation to address technical barriers to trade (TBTs) and highlight how they can promote sustainability objectives. Linda Bodén, one of the authors of the report, tells more.