The Purchasing Managers' Index for the Swedish industry rose for the fourth consecutive month. The index stood at 54.2 in April, compared to 53.8 in March. A figure above 50 is traditionally seen as a sign of growth, and the index is now at a level not seen since the spring of 2022.
"An increased uncertainty surrounding global trade has not hindered the recovery in Swedish industry," says Jörgen Kennemar, responsible for the analysis of the Purchasing Managers' Index at Swedbank, in a press release.
But if the trade war does not calm down, there is a risk of a setback, according to Kennemar.
Positive for inflation is that companies' price increase plans are clearly falling. The sub-index for suppliers' raw and input material prices fell from 55.6 in March to 50.9 in April, the lowest figure in six months.
Falling global commodity prices and a stronger krona contribute to lower price pressure in the industry, which should be positive news ahead of the Swedish Central Bank's interest rate decision in May, says Jörgen Kennemar.
