The EU’s free trade agreements

Sweden is a member of the EU and does not conclude any free trade agreements on its own. However, Sweden takes an active part in the preparations and in the work during the ongoing negotiations led by the EU. The National Board of Trade’s task is to provide the Swedish Government with qualified analyses for negotiations and decisions in trade policy matters.

Free trade agreements are concluded between countries with the aim of establishing a free trade area where trade between countries is liberalised and, thus, facilitated. Liberalisation consists of, among other things, reducing or phasing out duties for goods originating in the free trade area.

In addition to customs, the EU's free trade agreements also cover issues such as non-tariff barriers to trade, services, investment, public procurement and intellectual property. In addition, the agreements ensure an open, stable and predictable legal environment. They help create new business opportunities and further develop trade and investment with different countries or regions.

Countries with which the EU has a trade agreement (European Commission's website)