Trade between Sweden and Bangladesh

Current Trade Overview

Currently, trade with Bangladesh accounts for 0.3% of Sweden’s total imports.

• Swedish imports from Bangladesh reached SEK 6,776 million in 2024, up from SEK 4,662 million in 2020, mainly consisting of ready-made garments. It should be noted that the official trade statistics may underestimate the import figures as Bangladeshi products intended for the Swedish market are often off-loaded in other countries in the European Union.

• The value of Swedish exports to Bangladesh reached SEK 518 million in 2024, compared with SEK 439 million in 2020. Paper and paperboard products, together with chemical products, account for half of these exports. Industrial and electronic machinery and apparatus also represent a significant share. Swedish exports peaked in 2007 at SEK 2,073 million, largely due to major investments in the telecommunications sector. After this investment phase, exports stabilized at around SEK 400-500 million in the 2010s.

Opportunities for Growth  

There is strong potential to deepen trade and investment ties between Sweden and Bangladesh. For Swedish companies, Bangladesh growing economy offers opportunities  in sectors such as energy, environment, transport, healthcare, and information and communication technology. Sweden’s reputation for innovation and sustainable business practices is an advantage in these areas.

At the same time, Bangladesh continues to strengthen its position as a key supplier to Sweden, particularly in ready-made garments. Swedish brands are among Bangladesh’s major buyers, and there is room to expand exports beyond garments into sectors such as home textiles, leather goods, footwear, and ICT services. Investments in sustainability and compliance standards have further enhanced Bangladesh’s competitiveness, creating opportunities for partnerships that combine responsible sourcing with growth.

The textile and ready-made garments industry remains a central area for cooperation, with further scope for collaboration. The Sustainable Fashion Platform – a joint effort led by Team Sweden – is bringing in Swedish expertise and solutions to support the green transition of Bangladesh’s textile and ready-made garments industry, benefiting both Swedish buyers and Bangladeshi producers.

Improving the Business Environment

Barriers to trade and investment include regulatory and legal complexity, customs procedures, tax issues, logistical challenges, and inadequate infrastructure. Sweden works actively with Bangladesh and key partners such as the European Union to address these challenges through development cooperation and diplomatic engagement. Efforts focus on simplifying regulations, improving transparency, and strengthening institutional capacity to facilitate trade.

For companies navigating these conditions, support is available through the Swedish Embassy in Dhaka and Business Sweden, which provides market insights and practical guidance. Additional resources such as Open Trade Gate Sweden and the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh offer advice and networking opportunities to help businesses succeed.

Trade Framework and Support

Sweden and Bangladesh signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty in 1982, providing a framework for smoother business operations.

• If you are a Swedish company looking to enter the Bangladeshi market, you are welcome to contact Business Sweden. 

Link to Market Expansion - Business Sweden

• If you are a Bangladeshi company interested in trading with Sweden, visit our page How to Do Business with Sweden for resources and contacts.

Companies are always welcome to reach out to the Swedish Embassy in Dhaka for advice and support.

Lind to Trade Statistics