The challenging global situation makes it more important than ever for the EU to diversify its trade, according to Benjamin Dousa, Sweden's Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. Free trade agreements open new markets for Swedish companies, create predictability, and improve conditions for trade, Dousa said. The agreements with Mercosur and India alone could create up to 30,000 jobs in Sweden, he added.
Sweden has clearly expressed its support for the European Commission's work to conclude new free trade agreements and push ongoing negotiations, Dousa stated. Official sources confirmed that negotiations with India, Mercosur, Mexico, and Indonesia have been concluded. When the agreements enter into force, they are expected to create significant opportunities for both Swedish companies and consumers. The Mercosur agreement is estimated to support about 600,000 jobs in Europe, and the India agreement will create a free trade zone with about two billion consumers.
The challenging global situation makes it more important than ever for the EU to diversify its trade. Free trade agreements open new markets for our companies, create predictability, and improve conditions for trade. The agreements with Mercosur and India alone could create up to 30,000 jobs in Sweden. Sweden has clearly expressed its support for the European Commission's work to conclude new free trade agreements and push ongoing negotiations.
Negotiations are ongoing with Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates, according to official sources. A press conference will be held on 27 April 2026 at 11:00 at Rosenbad, with mandatory registration by 09:00 on the same day. Västra Götaland is Sweden's largest export region, with 482 billion SEK in goods exports in 2024.