Sweden’s economy expanded in the second quarter of 2025, with GDP rising 0.5% quarter-on-quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to fresh figures from Statistics Sweden (SCB). Compared to the same quarter last year, calendar-adjusted GDP was up 1.4%.
Growth was driven by stronger fixed investments, exports, and household consumption, although rising imports dampened the overall contribution from net trade.
“Growth picked up slightly in the second quarter with strong contributions from fixed gross investments and inventories. Increased imports of goods and services, however, held back GDP,” said Jessica Engdahl, head of National Accounts at SCB.
Key highlights Q2 2025
- Household consumption rose 0.4%, with higher spending on transport, recreation, culture, and food.
- Public consumption increased by 0.2%, with municipalities driving most of the growth.
- Fixed gross investments climbed 1.7%, boosted by machinery, equipment, and defense systems.
- Exports rose 0.7%, but imports surged 3.1%, resulting in a negative net export contribution of -1.3 percentage points.
- Business sector value added grew 0.6%, with services up 0.9% while goods production was flat.
- Employment edged up 0.1%, though total hours worked fell 0.4%.
- Household real disposable income grew 2.5% year-on-year.
- The public sector surplus reached SEK 26.3 billion, compared with SEK 20.4 billion in Q2 2024.
The data suggest Sweden’s economy remains resilient despite global headwinds, with domestic demand and investment offsetting the drag from higher imports.
Source: Statistics Sweden (SCB), 29 August 2025
