Foreign trade
In terms of value, Sweden has a large trade surplus when it comes to steel. This is due to the fact that, to a large degree, we export high-performance steel and mainly import standard products.
Coils being loaded for export. Photo: SSAB.
Sweden’s export of finished steel products, including ingots and semis, in 2024 amounted to SEK 60,9 billion (excluding the engineering products made by the steel plants), whereas the value of steel imports was SEK 40,7 billion.
Swedish steel exports. Finished steel including ingots and semis.
Swedish steel imports. Finished steel including ingots and semis.
In 2024, steel exports comprised 2,9 per cent of Sweden’s total exports of goods, valued at SEK 2,069 billion. The diagram below shows how the trade balance in terms of value has developed since 1980.
Swedish steel trade, value. Finished steel including ingots and semis. 
Foreign trade statistics including re-exports and re-imports.
In terms of weight, however, the state of affairs is rather different. Sweden's exports and imports of finished steel products are more or less of an equivalent amount. The diagram below shows how the trade balance in terms of tonnage has developed since 1980.
Swedish steel trade, weight. Finished steel including ingots and semis. 
Foreign trade statistics including re-exports and re-imports.
In 2024 Swedish steel was exported to 157 countries around the world. However, by far the largest export market comprises the EU member states and Great Britain, where just under 67 per cent of the steel was exported in 2024. Outside Europe, the USA is an important market as is China which, in recent years, has imported ever more steel from Sweden.
Swedish steel exports 2024: SEK 60,9 billion.
Finished steel including ingots and semis. 
89 per cent of Swedish steel imports in 2024 came from EU member states and Great Britain.
Swedish steel imports 2024: SEK 40,7 billion.
Finished steel including ingots and semis. 
