As the world’s largest economy and one of the most important markets for Swedish companies globally, the United States continues to offer significant opportunities across sectors such as industrial equipment, technology, defence, healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Strong consumer demand, investments in AI infrastructure, reshoring activity, and a highly developed commercial ecosystem continue to support business growth.
At the same time, companies describe a more challenging operating environment. Tariffs, customs procedures, policy unpredictability, and broader geopolitical tensions are increasingly affecting competitiveness, investment decisions, and long-term planning. Companies also point to rising operational costs and regulatory complexity as ongoing concerns.
Cooperation between Sweden and the United States remains strong across innovation-driven sectors including industrial technology, clean energy, life sciences, defence, and digital services. Continued investments in advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and AI-related industries continue to create opportunities for Swedish companies offering high-value and specialised solutions.
Competitiveness in the US market is closely linked to customer collaboration, sales competence, product development, partnerships, and operational efficiency. The Swedish brand continues to support business credibility, particularly through associations with quality, reliability, engineering expertise, and design.
The United States continues to be regarded as an attractive market with strong infrastructure, deep supplier networks, and high levels of innovation. However, companies also highlight customs-related friction, trade policy uncertainty, and regulatory complexity as growing challenges.
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ABOUT THE SURVEY
To assess the opportunities and challenges faced by Swedish companies in international markets, Team Sweden conducts annual Business Climate Surveys across multiple markets worldwide. This year’s survey in the United States includes responses from 61 Swedish companies operating in the country. Industrial companies represent a significant share of respondents, while professional services and consumer companies also make up a considerable share. The majority of respondents have been active in the United States for more than five years.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all participating companies and respondents who contributed to this report. Team Sweden in the United States hopes that the findings will serve as a basis for continued dialogue with US authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
