The troubled global situation, which can affect both oil prices and transportation costs, has prompted the trade sector to lower its expectations.
"There is no doubt that this is a clear setback. Although the levels are still slightly higher than last year, uncertainty has gripped trade again, and many are now entering spring with a significantly more cautious view of the future," says Sofia Larsen, CEO of Svensk Handel, in a press release.
The largest decline is seen in the non-durable goods trade (for example, furniture and consumer electronics), where the future indicator falls by 7.1 units. The indicator also falls for the grocery and wholesale subsectors.
