An Evaluation of Swedish Export Promotion

Abstract: International trade is beneficial for all parties involved, and also an important engine of economic growth. According to two recent studies, Sweden has been losing export shares to its closest competitors over the past years. One possible reason for this decline could be the structure and extent of export promotion in Sweden. In this study we evaluate whether the Swedish system of export promotion has the most favourable characteristics based on what we know from economic theory, previous research and best practice in the area. We use Denmark and Finland as a reference point, as well as conduct a case study on China as an example of a market where Sweden is losing export shares. It is the opinion of the authors that Sweden has not organized its EP activities in the most favourable way, and that this is likely to have been one of the causes behind the recent decline in export shares. A development towards higher spending on EP, more focus on industry specific activities, and less proliferation of organizations would be beneficial for Swedish exports, and thus the Swedish economy in general.