Swedish-U.S. Relations

It began in the 17th century when Sweden was a great power with imperial ambitions that colonized the wild shores of Delaware.

In the 18th century Sweden was the first neutral European nation to exchange consuls with the newly independent United States.

In the 19th century Sweden was the source of 1.2 million emigrants who came to the new land and helped carve Minnesota and other new states out of the wilderness.

Today, we are proud of the 10 million Swedish-Americans among the U.S. population.

And for a shared tomorrow, a complex weave of cooperation unites American and Swedish interests:

Trade

The United States is Sweden's largest export market, absorbing approximately 11 percent of our total exports. the U.S. is also one of the largest investors in Sweden. More than 100,000 employees in Sweden are employed by 1,200 U.S. companies.  Considering that Sweden's international trade accounts for more than half of sweden's GDP, it is obvious that good commercial relations between our two countries are an important factor in Sweden's economic development.

But Sweden is importatn to the U.S. as well. Swedish companies have a strong presence in the U.S. market in terms of both trade and investments:

• All of the large Swedish international companies such as Ericsson, Volvo Truck (including Mack), Electrolux, and the security company, Securitas, are represented in the U.S.
• The U.S. is the thirdlargest recipient of Swedish investments abroad. Swedish-owned enterprises employ more than 200,000 people in the U.S.

The Swedish premium car manufacturer Volvo Car is verys uccessful with the XC90 SUV and other modles, and today contributes substantially to the Ford Motor Company's financial result. the stablishment of a new General Motors research center in Trollhättan demonstrates that Swedish vehicle research programs are world class. Well known Swedish automotive suppliers such as Autoliv and Haldex, "born" in Sweden, are now successfully growing on the global market.

Sweden has a long tradition of international cooperation in space. Our space industry holds strong positions in a number of technological areas. Industrial and scientific cooperation with the U.S. is vital. Biotechnology is a priority for the Swedish government. There are around 800 companies in biotechnology., pharmaceuticals and medical technology.  The growing importance of biotech in the pharmaceutical industry has been particularly advantageous for Sweden, which has the fourth largest biotech sector in Europe.

An illustration of the importance that the Swedish government attaches to Swedish - U.S. relations is House of Sweden, the new Embassy building which is being built along the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. Following its inauguration in the fall of 2006, House of Sweden will be a meeting place for people and ideas from both sides of the Atlantic, and an arena for activities promoting Swedish business, technology, culture, art, design, music and cuisine.

The Embassy's network - not to mention the networks of the Consulates General in New York and Los Angeles, and those of the 28 other honorary consulates all over the U.S. - also constitutes a resource for anyone who wants to do business in the U. S. or Sweden. It complements the network of other important Swedish offices in the U.S. such as the Export Trade Council and Invest in Sweden Agency.  When a new Consulate General is opened in Houston, Texas in 2007, another resource in a very dynamic part of the U.S. will be added.

Science and Technology

22 Swedish enterprises have established research institutions in the U.S., and 17 American companies carry out advanced research in Sweden.

Culture and Tourism

The exchange of students, exhibitions, musical performances, other art manifestations and tourists is steadily increasing.

Sweden became a member of the European Union in January 1995. The longstanding bilateral ties with the U.S. were reinforced within a new, broader transatlantic framework. The basic qualities of amity and friendship between Sweden and the U.S. remain unchanged.

As fellow members of the United Nations, Sweden and America share ideals of democracy and human rights in the search for justice and peace.

These are ideals that inspire Swedes to serve as peace keepers, side by side with Americans in the former Yugoslavia in the SFOR military force, and elsewhere.