Optimism in trade, but concerns about tariffs

"The cautiously positive movements reinforce the view that Swedish trade remains on track and that 2026 has the potential to be a more predictable year," says Sofia Larsen, CEO of Swedish Trade, in a press release.

The futures indicator for the grocery trade rose by 1.4 points to 101.0 in February. Futures confidence also rose in the wholesale trade but was largely unchanged in the non-durable goods trade.

"In a situation where geopolitical uncertainty persists, it is particularly important that no new tariffs or trade barriers are added, which risk hitting both companies and households," says Larsen.