Swedish exports of environmental technology have risen sharply and are likely to continue to grow. The U.S. is also currently the fifth largest individual export market after Germany, Norway, Denmark and the UK.
The export to the U.S. exceeds exports to most European markets. It is also larger than Sweden's exports throughout Asia, and several times greater than its exports to individual countries such as Russia, China, Japan and India. The main reason has been the U.S. demand for especially cars and medicine but now also environmental technology. There is a great need for experience and products in environmental technologies in the U.S. and Sweden is a country of great interest.
The environmental problems and their solutions have gained importance across the Atlantic, and they are now working on finding solutions to problems which means business opportunities for Swedish companies. The greatest opportunities are within ethanol, biogas and waste incineration. Sweden is a country with very good knowledge in these areas that are now valued in the U.S. According to Sweden’s environmental technology council, there are several areas where Swedish companies are coveted.
Detroit GM Headquarters - One of the major companies in the ethanol field.
Within the ethanol field it happens a lot in the USA right now. After the past year´s changes in both economic and environmental issues they are now taking hold of the problems. It has resulted in a strong expansion in the U.S. ethanol industry, and there are currently about 130 ethanol factories in the U.S., but the need is greater than this and here there are more opportunities for Swedish companies.
Waste management and recycling have been slow areas for several years. There were few buildings and some businesses have had profitability problems. Now that attitude has changed and a number of incentives are available, and also that the legislation has become more favorable, there will be increased opportunities.
The global market for environmental technologies is estimated to over 500 billion USD, of which the U.S. represents about 40 percent. Energy efficiency, biogas, ethanol, sustainable construction and waste incineration are priority areas in which Sweden is at the leading edge.
Cecilia Helland