Sweden’s trade position rebounded sharply in May 2026, shifting from a substantial deficit to a solid surplus, according to data updated on 29 June 2026. The trade balance climbed to 2.90 billion in May, a marked reversal from April 2026, when the indicator stood at a deficit of -8.40 billion.
The turnaround signals a significant month-on-month improvement in Sweden’s external balance, suggesting a strong pickup in export performance, a pullback in imports, or a combination of both. While the underlying drivers are not detailed in the latest release, the move back into positive territory may help ease pressure on the country’s current account and support broader economic stability going into the middle of 2026.
Market participants and policymakers will be watching upcoming data closely to determine whether May’s surplus represents the start of a sustained trend or a one-off correction following April’s unusually weak reading. For now, the latest figures underscore the volatility in trade flows and their potential impact on Sweden’s economic outlook.
