Check my company
Made here

The twenty imports Sweden is best placed to replace.

Sweden imported USD 149bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 164bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 8.9bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
239products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
1202products Sweden already exports well
1630product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Sweden already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Sweden would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Sweden does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Vehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of...HS 870340

    Comes fromBelgium 61%, 24 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine... (exports USD 6.2bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1.1bn; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 6.2bn
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 1.3bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); Belgium supplies 61 per cent (2).

    USD 1.3bndown 12% on 2022
  2. 2

    Electric motors and generators: parts suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of heading no. 8501 or...HS 850300

    Comes fromGermany 70%, 57 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTelevision cameras: n.e.c. in item no 8525.8 (exports USD 550m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 121m
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 558m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 35 per cent (1); Germany supplies 70 per cent (2).

    USD 558mup 149% on 2022
  3. 3

    Acyclic hydrocarbons: saturatedHS 290110

    Comes fromUnited States 97%, 12 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPolypeptide hormones, protein hormones and glycoprotein hormones... (exports USD 479m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 148m
    Countries that export it well9

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 360m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1); United States supplies 97 per cent (2).

    USD 360mup 11% on 2022
  4. 4

    Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, plated or coated with zinc (other than...HS 722592

    Comes fromGermany 42%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSteel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, not in... (exports USD 1.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 10m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 46m
    Countries that export it well13

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 355m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1); Germany supplies 42 per cent (1).

    USD 355mdown 7% on 2022
  5. 5

    Waters: including mineral and aerated, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavouredHS 220210

    Comes fromGermany 41%, 65 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVodka (exports USD 507m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 69m
    Countries that export it well60

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 303m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1); Germany supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 303mup 24% on 2022
  6. 6

    Medicaments: containing hormones (but not insulin), adrenal cortex hormones or antibiotics, for therapeutic or...HS 300439

    Comes fromDenmark 58%, 29 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMedicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in... (exports USD 6.8bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 149m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 157m
    Countries that export it well14

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 280m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); Denmark supplies 58 per cent (1).

    USD 280mup 49% on 2022
  7. 7

    Pumps: reciprocating positive displacement pumps, n.e.c. in heading no. 8413, for liquidsHS 841350

    Comes fromGermany 52%, 62 source countries
    Nearest export strengthEngines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines... (exports USD 2.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 74m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 385m
    Countries that export it well13

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 228m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1); Germany supplies 52 per cent (1).

    USD 228mup 17% on 2022
  8. 8

    Railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks: self-propelled, powered from an external source of electricity (excluding...HS 860310

    Comes fromGermany 58%, 3 source countries
    Nearest export strengthRailway or tramway rolling stock: parts n.e.c. in heading no. 8607 (exports USD 54m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 12m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 16m
    Countries that export it well14

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 218m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1); Germany supplies 58 per cent (1).

    USD 218mup 12% on 2022
  9. 9

    Transmission shafts (including cam shafts and crank shafts) and cranksHS 848310

    Comes fromGermany 44%, 65 source countries
    Nearest export strengthEngines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines... (exports USD 2.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 81m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 283m
    Countries that export it well20

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 195m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1); Germany supplies 44 per cent (1).

    USD 195mup 16% on 2022
  10. 10

    Trailers and semi-trailers: (other than tanker type)HS 871639

    Comes fromFinland 41%, 29 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine... (exports USD 6.2bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 49m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 62m
    Countries that export it well25

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 168m, top 11 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 23 per cent (2); Finland supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 168mdown 21% on 2022
  11. 11

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: containing the three fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassiumHS 310520

    Comes fromFinland 67%, 22 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, ammonium nitrate... (exports USD 169m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 14m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 122m, top 15 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1); Finland supplies 67 per cent (2).

    USD 122mdown 9% on 2022
  12. 12

    Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic, hydraulic or pneumaticHS 903281

    Comes fromGermany 92%, 34 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMicrotomes and parts and accessories thereof (exports USD 309m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 291m
    Countries that export it well8

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 85m, top 22 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 40 per cent (1); Germany supplies 92 per cent (2).

    USD 85mup 25% on 2022
  13. 13

    Wood: of birch (Betula spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated...HS 440395

    Comes fromFinland 79%, 6 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWood: coniferous species, of fir (Abies spp.) and spruce (Picea... (exports USD 1.9bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 297m
    Countries that export it well7

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 43m, top 41 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2); Finland supplies 79 per cent (2).

    USD 43mup 166% on 2022
  14. 14

    Electrical static convertersHS 850440

    Comes fromChina 31%, 81 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTelevision cameras: n.e.c. in item no 8525.8 (exports USD 550m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 669m; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 411m
    Countries that export it well19

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 1.1bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1).

    USD 1.1bnup 31% on 2022
  15. 15

    Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than...HS 853710

    Comes fromGermany 28%, 102 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTelevision cameras: n.e.c. in item no 8525.8 (exports USD 550m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 623m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 125m
    Countries that export it well29

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 893m, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 29 per cent (1).

    USD 893mup 7% on 2022
  16. 16

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Comes fromFinland 20%, 60 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326 (exports USD 635m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 395m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 93m
    Countries that export it well33

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 658m, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1).

    USD 658mdown 25% on 2022
  17. 17

    Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890

    Comes fromNetherlands 40%, 77 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMicrotomes and parts and accessories thereof (exports USD 309m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 251m; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 491m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 545m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 37 per cent (1).

    USD 545mup 12% on 2022
  18. 18

    Pumps and compressors: for air, vacuum or gas, n.e.c. in heading no. 8414HS 841480

    Comes fromGermany 23%, 60 source countries
    Nearest export strengthEngines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines... (exports USD 2.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 65m; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 371m
    Countries that export it well20

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 505m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1).

    USD 505mup 30% on 2022
  19. 19

    Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments...HS 330499

    Comes fromFrance 19%, 106 source countries
    Nearest export strengthHair preparations: lacquers (exports USD 22m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 398m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 155m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 500m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 42 per cent (1).

    USD 500mup 25% on 2022
  20. 20

    Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances: for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including...HS 848180

    Comes fromGermany 27%, 80 source countries
    Nearest export strengthEngines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines... (exports USD 2.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 365m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 235m
    Countries that export it well21

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 478m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Sweden's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1).

    USD 478mdown 11% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Sweden already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708 imports USD 2.0bn, exports USD 1.3bn, top source Czech Republic 15%
  • Toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products imports USD 433m, exports USD 39m, top source United States 99%
  • Engines: parts for internal combustion piston engines (excluding spark-ignition) imports USD 910m, exports USD 637m, top source Germany 24%
  • Sugar confectionery: (excluding chewing gum, including white chocolate), not... imports USD 389m, exports USD 195m, top source Denmark 28%
  • Engines: parts, for engines and motors of heading no. 8412 imports USD 300m, exports USD 119m, top source Spain 34%
  • Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets... imports USD 412m, exports USD 238m, top source Netherlands 57%
  • Vacuum cleaners, with self-contained electric motor, of a power not exceeding... imports USD 304m, exports USD 138m, top source China 48%
  • Vehicles: with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine... imports USD 168m, exports USD 29m, top source Germany 97%
  • Gears and gearing: (not toothed wheels, chain sprockets and other transmission... imports USD 319m, exports USD 186m, top source Germany 25%
  • Wood: coniferous species, of pine (Pinus spp.), in the rough, whether or not... imports USD 170m, exports USD 41m, top source Norway 59%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 1630 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

Want the Sweden edition kept current?

Leave an address and each new edition comes to you as the record moves. Tick the box if you would want the next layer for Sweden: which public bodies buy each line, once that record is readable.

Your address is used to send this list and its later editions, nothing else. Privacy

Run a company? Check it against the developments BuzzBaboon follows, free.