Global Business Climate Survey 2025 - Report & Key Findings
The recently published Global Business Climate Survey 2025, produced by Team Sweden (Business Sweden, Swedish Chambers International, and Swedish Embassies & Consulates), offers a valuable snapshot of international conditions from the perspective of Swedish companies operating abroad.
This year's edition, which includes responses from over 2,000 company representatives across 37 markets, highlights a prevailing sense of cautious optimism. Despite a slightly more reserved business climate outlook compared to 2024, Swedish firms continue to demonstrate resilience - with 66% reporting profitability and nearly half planning to increase investments.
Of special relevance is the strategic advantage offered by intangible assets: 82% of companies cite Brand Sweden as beneficial to their business success, particularly in regions such as MEA+ and APAC, where Sweden’s reputation for innovation and trustworthiness remains influential.
Key Findings – Spotlight on the APAC Region
Strong Market Sentiment: APAC is one of the most optimistic regions, with India, Singapore, and Taiwan reporting strong business climate scores. India, in particular, stands out for its domestic demand, tech progress, and infrastructure investment.
Profitability Holding Steady: Despite global uncertainties, 64% of Swedish companies in APAC reported profitability in 2024, with industrial and consumer sectors showing particular resilience.
Investment Appetite: Several markets in APAC—especially India, Vietnam, and Thailand—are high on investment intent. Vietnam leads in growth expectations, with nearly all respondents expecting increased turnover in 2025.
Sustainability Gaining Ground: While Europe still leads in customer demand for sustainability, APAC markets like Taiwan, Vietnam, and Australia show promising signs of growing environmental awareness among consumers.
Operational Hurdles: Licensing, transparency, and customs procedures are noted challenges in parts of the region, especially in Indonesia and the Philippines. However, access to distributors and service providers remains a strength.
Brand Sweden’s Value: The Swedish identity is seen as a business asset in the region, with companies in Vietnam and South Korea particularly emphasizing its value in customer relationships and credibility.
Click here to find the full report and here to find the Business Climate Survey for Swedish Companies in Hong Kong and previous years’ reports.
About the survey
The Global Business Climate Survey is jointly produced by Business Sweden, the Swedish Chambers of Commerce (SCI), and Sweden’s embassies and consulates and covers 37 markets in Western Europe, APAC, MEA+, and the Americas.
The survey was first carried out in 2020 and captures the viewpoints, experiences, and insights of Swedish business leaders overseas. This year, more than 2,000 C-level representatives of Swedish companies abroad responded to the survey and answered 18 standard questions on the business climate in their main markets. The responses from the various regions are weighted in the survey results.
Source: Business-Sweden.com