The forest and the economy

The forest industry and forest industry products play a key role in our progress towards a sustainable society and a circular economy. The industry is also of major importance for Sweden’s prosperity and well-being. The forest industry employs 120,000 people across Sweden, representing 23 per cent of all jobs in Swedish industry.

The great significance of the Swedish forest industry is felt far beyond Sweden’s borders. Products from the Swedish forest are an important component of international value chains. We are one of the world’s countries that exports the greatest amount of produced pulp, paper, and sawn goods.

Over 3.2 million tonnes of pulp are produced in Sweden each year. 90 per cent of all pulp and paper produced by the Swedish forest industry is exported. Germany, Italy, and Great Britain are the largest export markets, and Sweden exports a total of over 2.8 million tonnes of pulp to the EU.

Sweden is the world’s third largest exporter of sawn goods – only Canada and Russia export more than we do. With a total value of SEK 167 billion (2021), the forest industry accounts for 9–12 per cent of all Swedish industry exports.[1] Some forest raw material is used in the Swedish furniture industry, which in 2021 produced furniture at an estimated value of SEK 26 billion.

Sweden is home to nearly 20 per cent of Europe’s forests. Swedish forestry is therefore a crucial supplier of sustainable forest raw material to countries throughout the world.