Economic trends
The international financial crisis plunged Sweden into severe recession, as the country depends heavily on international trade. After contracting by -5.1% in 2009, Swedish economy recovered in 2010, with an estimated GDP growth of 4.4%, driven by household consumption and a resumption of international trade. The unfavorable international context suggests a slight groth in 2011.
In the context of a recovery, the government’s priority, announced as part of the 2011 Budget, is to again aim for full employment. The announced measures seek to combat exclusion, improve the education system and tamper the effects of the crisis by expanding high-quality welfare services. Monetary policy will remain expansionist.
Sweden has one of the highest standards of living in the world. However, unemployment has become its curse, with one of the highest rates in Europe (8.2% in 2010 according to the estimates).
Main branches of industry
Agriculture represents less of 2% of the GDP. The main agricultural products are cereals, dairy products, meat, wood and potatoes. The country has a wealth of natural resources: forests, iron, lead, copper, zinc and hydroelectric energy.
The industrial sector contributes to slightly over a quarter of the GDP. It is dominated by groups such as Volvo, Saab, Ericsson, ABB, AstraZeneca, Electrolux, Ikea, H&M, etc. Sweden's main manufacturing activities are processing wood, paper, electronic equipment, industrial food processing, pharmaceutical products, etc. The new technologies and biotechnologies sectors are of significant importance in the economy.
The tertiary sector employs more than three quarters of the active workforce, it contributes more than 70% of the GDP, and is maintained by telecommunications and IT equipment
International trade
Sweden is very open to foreign trade, which represents more than 90% of the GDP.The EU is reinforcing its position as primary partner. In general, half the exports are destined for the EU and the most of imports come from there. Trade with neighboring Northern Baltic countries and Russia has increased rapidly, while exports to China and India show a substantial drop. Trade in motor vehicles and metals is very dynamic. The government supports Swedish companies' activity in strategic markets. The Swedish trade balance is expected to remain in surplus, even if it has been affected by the fall in international trade caused by the effects of the financial crisis.
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Last updates: February 2012
