Sweden's exports of goods grew steadily in the first quarter of 2025, rising by 5% in both value and volume compared with the same period last year, according to the latest figures released by Statistics Sweden. Imports also saw a moderate increase of 3% in value and 2% in volume. However, while many sectors posted notable growth, the furniture and interiors industry remained largely flat, signalling mixed momentum within the broader home and living segment.
The total value of Sweden's goods exports for Q1 2025 reached SEK 542 billion, while imports stood at SEK 504 billion, resulting in a net trade surplus of SEK 38 billion, up from SEK 30 billion in Q1 2024.
Within the interiors space, Sweden's furniture exports rose by only 1% in value but declined by 2% in volume, suggesting weaker international demand or price adjustments. On the import side, furniture imports surged by 14% in value and 11% in volume, indicating strong domestic demand for foreign-made furnishings.
Commenting on broader trade dynamics, Maria Adolfsson, statistician at Statistics Sweden, said: 'In the first quarter of 2025, imports of food/beverages/tobacco increased by 8 percent in value and by 4 percent in volume, compared with the same period last year.'
More robust growth was seen in related materials industries. Exports of wood and paper products, critical inputs for furniture production, rose by 9% in value and 1% in volume. Within that, raw wood exports increased by 24% in value and 8% in volume, while paper and paper products saw a modest 4% increase in value but a 1% decline in volume.
In terms of imports, wood and paper product imports climbed by 5% in value, though volumes held steady, reflecting stable supply chain activity in the sector.
From a geographical perspective, Sweden's exports to the United Kingdom rose by 10%, while imports from the UK declined by 12%, indicating a potentially growing market for Swedish goods post-Brexit. Imports from the United States were up by a significant 36%, primarily due to increased imports of machinery, transport equipment and energy products.
Despite overall export strength in minerals and chemicals, and a marked increase in electronics exports, the slight contraction in furniture export volumes may suggest a plateau in demand or intensified competition in global interiors markets.
On a quarter-to-quarter basis, exports increased by 2% in both value and volume, while imports declined by 3%, a positive signal for Sweden's trade balance heading into the rest of 2025.
The next statistical update from Statistics Sweden is scheduled for 28 August 2025.
More information:
Statistics Sweden
www.scb.se