There is much in the world that can feel uncertain and that can affect the recovery and the Swedish economy, says Elisabeth Svantesson at a press briefing on the economic situation.
She mentions, among other things, the unpredictability of the new American government. How potential US tariffs will affect, for example, the EU and also Sweden is difficult to know – it depends, among other things, on the scope and time period.
Of course, tariffs are very bad, especially for individual companies. And also to some extent for the Swedish economy, but we also have other problems to tackle, she says, mentioning, among other things, productivity and competitiveness in Europe.
German economy affects
She points out that the major uncertainties in the world are rather more worrying than tariffs. Germany is an example.
How the German economy goes affects us so very, very much, says Elisabeth Svantesson.
On Wednesday, new figures from the Employment Agency showed that unemployment in January this year was the highest in three years. Elisabeth Svantesson calls the figure problematic, but also expected in a recession.
It's cautious on the market, simply. But we also see that the recovery seems to be underway and that unemployment will decrease going forward. But of course, every person who is unemployed is one too many.
Positive signs
When will unemployment turn?
It will happen in pace with the economic turnaround, but we will have high unemployment throughout this year.
She believes that the Swedish economy is strong, despite uncertainties.
Sweden has, despite this, conditions, both economic and political, to cope with tougher times, says the Minister of Finance.
It's about, among other things, signs of increased consumption, rising real wages, and lower interest costs.
