Swedish companies are taking a cautious approach in 2025 when assessing the business climate abroad. But 70 per cent still give ratings above three on a five-point scale, indicating a moderately positive outlook. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, Denmark, and Singapore stand out as the most favourable markets for Swedish companies.

At the same time, 66 per cent of Swedish companies abroad report profitability in 2024. These findings are presented in the annual Global Business Climate Survey, launched today at an event hosted by Business Sweden and Swedish Chambers International (SCI). Among the attendees are Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa, Business Sweden’s CEO Jan Larsson, and Daniella Waldfogel, Chair of Swedish Chambers International (SCI) and CEO at Stockholm Chamber of Commerce.

More than 2,000 representatives from Swedish companies participated in the survey, responding to questions about the local business climate in 37 different markets for their global sales – the highest number of markets ever included in this survey.

“It is encouraging to see that Swedish companies continue to grow internationally despite a more uncertain global environment. The fact that we now cover 37 markets makes the survey an even more important tool for companies looking to understand and navigate the global business landscape. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, Denmark, and Singapore top this year’s survey. The business climate has become increasingly difficult to predict and is marked by growing complexity. Despite this, Swedish companies demonstrate strong resilience and an impressive ability to adapt to changing circumstances”, says Jan Larsson, CEO at Business Sweden.

The purpose of the Global Business Climate Survey is to provide business leaders with knowledge and insights into local success factors and challenges when doing business internationally, by sharing experiences from Swedish companies already operating in each market.

The survey shows that 65 per cent of companies expect increased turnover in the coming year, and that nearly half of Swedish companies plan to increase their global investments over the next 12 months. Climate and environmental considerations were highlighted by 38 per cent of respondents as an important factor in customers’ purchasing decisions – with the greatest impact seen in Europe – particularly in Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark. At the same time, over 80 per cent of companies state that Brand Sweden is beneficial to their business abroad – especially in countries such as Türkiye, Brazil, and South Korea.

“Brand Sweden remains strong worldwide and gives companies an important door-opener. It is particularly gratifying to see how it contributes to their success in both established and new fast-growing markets”, says Daniella Waldfogel, Chair of Swedish Chambers International (SCI) and CEO at Stockholm Chamber of Commerce.

Explore the full survey results here.

Follow the digital livestream here.

Are you a journalist and want to attend in person? Contact Business Sweden’s press service: press@business-sweden.se

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For further information, please contact Business Sweden’s press office:

press@business-sweden.se

About Business Sweden

Business Sweden helps Swedish companies realise their export ambitions and supports international companies investing and expanding in Sweden. With a presence in over 40 markets worldwide, we identify business opportunities that enable our customers to grow and contribute to jobs and sustainable development.