A victory for Sweden's line, according to Foreign Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa (M).
In this darkness that American trade policy implies, Sweden has still achieved a victory, says Dousa and adds that the government has had close contacts with the business community on the issue.
Kaolin is a clay mineral used in the production of paper pulp, medicines, and paint. The value of the import from the USA is, in this context, significant, and half of Sweden's kaolin imports come from the USA, according to Dousa.
We have consistently said that we stand behind the EU, but we will protect the Swedish economy and jobs, and we do not want to shoot ourselves in the foot by raising tariffs on input goods that are important for Swedish industry.
Two more input goods, i.e., goods used and consumed in the production of other goods, will be exempted. However, Sweden was denied two other, prioritized exemptions.
The list of the EU's response to the American steel and aluminum tariffs is still very long. It will put pressure on the American government, claims the Foreign Trade Minister, despite the exempted goods.
The EU countries will vote on the list on Wednesday. The government is still analyzing it, and Benjamin Dousa says that Sweden's line in the vote is not yet clear.
What the EU will respond to the American car tariffs and other European goods is a later question. Preparations are underway, but the decision on the response may be delayed.
