Thailand and Sweden are seeking to expand trade cooperation following a meeting on Friday 14 November 2025 between Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun and Swedish Ambassador Anna Hammargren.
The discussions focused on strengthening economic ties under the Thailand–Sweden Strategic Partnership and accelerating negotiations on a Thailand–EU free trade agreement. According to Bangkok Post, both sides highlighted growth opportunities in innovative technology, telecommunications infrastructure, environmentally friendly products and Thai agricultural and processed foods, including organic goods that appeal to Swedish consumers.
Thailand and Sweden have maintained a trading relationship for 157 years. More than 100 Swedish companies currently operate in Thailand, including Saab, Volvo, Electrolux, IKEA, Ericsson and Purac.
“The meeting underlined the potential for further investment and collaboration to leverage Thailand’s manufacturing capabilities and Sweden’s technological expertise,” Ms Suphajee said, according to Bangkok Post.
Bilateral trade in 2024 totalled approximately $1.25 billion (about 40 billion baht). Thai exports were valued at $507.7 million and included cosmetics, soaps, rubber, wheat products, automobiles and air-conditioning equipment. Imports from Sweden amounted to $737.7 million, primarily machinery, paper products, aircraft, medical devices and pulp.
Source: Bangkok Post
Previous ScandAsia coverage
Sweden has long been an active economic partner for Thailand, with cooperation ranging from manufacturing to sustainable innovation.
In April 2024, ScandAsia reported that Sweden and Thailand held discussions on strengthening collaboration in green technology and digital transformation as both countries sought to expand opportunities for Swedish companies operating in Thailand’s growing innovation sectors.
https://scandasia.com/swedish-and-thai-officials-discuss-green-technology-and-digital-cooperation/
Earlier in 2023, Swedish companies highlighted Thailand’s potential as a regional logistics and production hub during the Sweden–Thailand Sustainability Forum in Bangkok, where firms such as IKEA, Ericsson and Scania emphasized their long-term investment commitments in the country.
https://scandasia.com/sustainability-and-innovation-in-focus-at-sweden-thailand-business-forum/
ScandAsia also covered the expansion of Swedish manufacturing operations in Thailand, including investments in advanced industrial components and clean-technology production aimed at serving Southeast Asian markets.
https://scandasia.com/swedish-manufacturers-expand-production-capacity-in-thailand/
These developments reflect Sweden’s sustained interest in Thailand as a key market in Asia—and provide the backdrop for today’s renewed push to deepen bilateral trade relations.
