Sweden Faces Economic Setback as GDP Contracts in Mid-2025

Sweden's economy shows signs of significant weakness with GDP contraction and reduced consumer spending.

Key Points

  • • Sweden's GDP contracted in May 2025.
  • • Household spending and industrial orders declined significantly.
  • • Finance Minister and Riksbank Governor express concern over economic outlook.
  • • There is a delay in anticipated economic recovery.

Sweden's economic landscape continues to struggle as new reports confirm significant downturns in May 2025, with a notable contraction in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This decline can be attributed to a marked reduction in household spending and a fall in industrial orders, which together signal a broader economic malaise. Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson and Riksbank Governor Erik Thedéen are expected to express concern regarding this troubling economic trajectory.

Recent analysis reveals that the decline is indicative of a deeper delay in the anticipated economic recovery, as the hoped-for optimism in growth has not come to fruition. Many had anticipated an uplift amid earlier signals of recovery, but the current data paints a grim picture, with household spending dropping significantly and industrial orders slowing down considerably.

These developments may lead to a reassessment of fiscal and monetary policies as officials look for solutions to combat the stagnation. The present situation implies that immediate measures are necessary to revitalize consumer confidence and stimulate spending, which are critical for reversing the current economic trends.

As this situation unfolds, the government and economic policymakers will likely need to address the root causes of this downturn swiftly to set a course for recovery. The outlook remains uncertain as stakeholders await further updates and measures.