Sweden’s industry investments likely to decline in 2016, survey shows

According to Statistics Sweden's latest investment survey, investment in the industrial sector is expected to decrease by 3 percent in 2016. Industrial enterprises report a modest forecast for 2017, in which investments are expected to decline by 7 percent.

Overall, the manufacturing industry will increase investments by approximately 2 percent. The mining industry will decrease investments by approximately 36 percent, which will contribute to the overall decline in the total industry sector.

The pulp industry will increase its investment volumes by about 20 percent and will invest about SEK12 billion. The timber industry is also expected to increase by 28 percent and to invest about SEK2.7 billion. The motor vehicle industry is expected to increase its investments by SEK2 billion, or 16 percent. The food industry is expected to reduce investments by SEK3.3 billion, which will give a decrease in volume of 23 percent.

Initially, investments in 2017 are expected to decline for most industrial sectors. However, the mining industry is expected to remain at the same level as in 2016. Meanwhile, the timber industry is expected to increase investments by 2 percent.