The successful impact of the coronavirus vaccines coupled with companies’ rapid adaptation to new market conditions paved the way for a dramatic economic upswing in 2021, supported by massive public stimulus packages and the low interest rate policies of central banks.
The world economy rebounded by almost 6 per cent during the year which, in turn, led to a 60 per cent increase in global cross-border direct investment. The US outperformed China as the world’s most attractive investment destination and it was also the year when Sweden landed in 14th place on the list of the world’s hottest investment markets.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Sweden amounted to SEK 220 billion in 2021 – an increase of 25 per cent from the previous year and the highest recorded level since 2008. Today, Nordic and other European companies account for 83 per cent of FDI stock in Sweden.
In the past few years, North American companies have expanded their share of FDI stock in Sweden to 12 per cent, while the share of Asian companies has fallen slightly to 4 per cent.
Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, with its severe humanitarian, economic and geopolitical consequences, has plunged the world into another crisis. The economic outlook is more uncertain than in many years.
Explore our FDI report “Global rebound from crisis level” for a full overview of cross-border direct investment in the global and Swedish economy.
