The Finnish Swedish Chamber of Commerce connects next-door neighbours
Finland was a part of the Swedish kingdom for more than 700 years until 1809. One of the most important trade routes of that period was the seaway between the Swedish capital Stockholm and the Finnish capital Turku. Even if more than 200 years have elapsed since Finland was lost to Russia and then became independent in 1917, Finland and Sweden are very good neighbours and important trade partners. The Finnish Swedish Chamber of Commerce works hard to maintain and develop these connections.
In 1936 there was a need to balance the trade between the young republic of Finland and the industrialized kingdom of Sweden. Under the lead of businessmen as Axel Wenner-Gren, the inventor of the modern vacuum cleaner, and Ambassador J.K Paasikivi, later president of Finland, a new organisation was established in Stockholm, the Finnish Swedish Chamber of Commerce, FINSVE. Ever since that decision makers have been members of FINSVE, since there was and there is a clear need for a forum where you can meet and discuss mutual issues about business and trade. FINSVE organizes meetings, seminars, lunches and other events for its almost 600 member companies. Many important business deals and mergers have been initiated during these meetings.
In 2026 FINSVE celebrates 90 years. During the decades trade has developed from raw material export from Finland and industrial and consumer goods from Sweden to a wide range of products and services. The overall volume of the trade is more than EUR 22 billion (2024)
Finland and Sweden have a strong position in the European market for base industry products, metals, wood and paper products and industrial chemicals, which also are the major products traded. Industrial machines, vehicles, for example forest and agricultural machinery and subcontractor components are also large products groups in the trade statistics. But the close neighbourhood also opens for small and medium-sized companies to offer their products into the export market. FINSVE assists SME-companies in the Swedish market, advising market channels, informing about tax rules, finding retailers, helping to overbridge language barriers and solving all other questions that the customers have. Around 400 companies receive advice and assistance every year to initiate or to develop their export to the neighbour country.
Sweden is a challenging market
Both Sweden and Finland are open markets and support free trade. Competition is intense and the margins are pushed down for many products. Logistic factors also play an important role in the 16 million market area, with 800.000 square kilometres larger than any European country except for Russia. This means challenges when the costs for supplying goods must be shared between less customers than for example in Germany and France.
Swedish customers are also known for being quality conscious. At the same time, they are very well aware of the price level of products. The Swedish word ‘Lågpris’ reflects the Swedish habit of searching good deals in the market. E-trade is also well developed, not only among consumers, but also in the B2B trade. Sweden is famous for developing retail concepts, starting with legendary IKEA and H&M, but other chains have conquered many markets, Biltema, Rusta, Jula, Lindex, Clas Ohlson, Kjell&Co, just to mention a few of them. Swedish brands are strong and profitable and entering a saturated market is always tricky.
But, Sweden and Finland have so many things in common, which opens many doors. The climate and the mentality are similar, the industrial infrastructure is strong in both countries and product development is both engineer and market driven. Most regulations are applicable in both countries, but some governmental approvals and industry standards still differ between the two EU nations.
Based on 90 years of experience FINSVE has some advice to newcomers into the Swedish market. The first rule is to be persistent. Entering the Swedish market is no quick fix – there are very few examples of Finnish companies, which have managed to establish a strong market position in less than two-three years. But, once you have been approved by Swedish companies and consumers, they will be loyal and trustable.
The second rule is to make a budget that exceeds all your intuitive expectations. Think of the export project to Sweden as you would start all over again at your home market. Use all support you can get, allocate the necessary resources and get your team committed to the hard work ahead. Success will pay off.
The third rule is to do your homework before leaving home. FINSVE has long experience and our services help you avoid the typical mistakes an export novice makes. Evaluate your product or service in respect of the Swedish market, recalculate the price to be able to reduce your offer during the market introduction – a good campaign is appreciated by the importer and the end customers. Check all approvals and markings, think about your website and brochures, try to imagine what impression your future Swedish clients will get of your company.
And when you are successful FINSVE would appreciate your application for membership. We are a member organisation that organizes interesting events and meetings in a large network covering both large enterprises and small entrepreneurs, from engineering to banks, from transport companies to legal advisors, from wholesalers to high-tech. We wish you welcome into the most important Finnish Swedish trade organisation and we will listen to your needs and suggestions.
Photo by Marius Faust