Welded angles, shapes and sections of iron or steel market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

The market value for welded steel angles, shapes and sections in Sweden stood at 25.5 million USD in 2021, then dropped to 19.5 million USD in 2022 before recovering to 22.9 million USD by 2024. The decline in 2022 coincided with rising global energy costs and trade policy shifts, which raised production expenses and dampened demand. The subsequent growth in 2023–2024 was supported by investments in new technology, including carbon capture and hydrogen-based steelmaking, which improved efficiency and helped the industry meet environmental standards.

Import volumes fell from 10.0 million USD in 2018 to 3.8 million USD in 2023 before a partial rebound in 2024, while exports peaked in 2022. Anti-dumping measures on welded tubes from China, Russia and Belarus implemented in 2024 affected product availability, although quality standards such as EN 1090‑2 continued to shape requirements for welded structures throughout the period.

The industry was undergoing a long‑term transition to fossil‑free production, with SSAB planning to shut down blast furnaces by 2030 and switch to hydrogen‑reduced iron. This shift, together with global iron‑ore overcapacity and weaker demand from China, created both challenges and opportunities for Swedish manufacturers of welded steel sections.

Exports welded angles, shapes and sections of iron or steel from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

The market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2018, with a 2.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Sweden's exports of welded angles, shapes and sections of iron or steel totaled 368 t, showing no significant change from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 385 t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 4.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 123.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, the United States, and Greece remained the primary buyers of Sweden's welded angles, shapes and sections of iron or steel. Norway accounted for 35.9% of exports in kind, the United States for 29.4%, and Greece for 7.8%. Together, these three countries represented 73.0% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Sweden's exports of welded angles, shapes and sections of iron or steel declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 837 K $ US, marking a 27.4% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 79.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 21.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 531 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 68.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Norway, and Greece continued to be the leading destinations for Sweden's exports of welded angles, shapes and sections of iron or steel in value terms. The United States accounted for 36.0% of exports, Norway for 23.0%, and Greece for 9.1%. Combined, these three countries made up 68.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020

Imports welded angles, shapes and sections of iron or steel to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Sweden's imports of welded angles, shapes and sections of iron or steel increased. In 2020, imports totaled 2 160 t, representing a sharp gain of 60.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 48.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 348 t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 63.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Finland, Denmark, and Lithuania consistently held the top positions in Sweden's imports of welded angles, shapes and sections of iron or steel in kind. Finland accounted for 38.0% of imports, Denmark for 22.2%, and Lithuania for 11.9%. Together, these three suppliers represented 72.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 1.7-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Sweden's imports of welded angles, shapes and sections of iron or steel amounted to 5 867 K $ US, indicating a moderate decrease of 5.9% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 10 031 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 37.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 72.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Finland, Poland, and Denmark were the largest suppliers of welded angles, shapes and sections of iron or steel to Sweden in value terms. Finland accounted for 42.7% of imports, Poland for 12.7%, and Denmark for 10.3%. Together, these three countries formed 65.7% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020