Ninety-nine percent of all business units in Sweden employ less than fifty people. Sweden has more very large multinational corporations per capita than any other developed country. This corporate structure offers significant opportunities for small and medium sized American exporters as well. With the possible exception of Volvo, the ten largest Swedish manufacturers do far more business outside of Sweden then they do inside the country. For example, Ericsson reports that less than 6 percent of its turnover is in Sweden, while over 12 percent is done in the United States.
Swedish business is far more dependent on international trade than their American counterparts.
Consequently, the government of Sweden is supportive of all efforts to develop and maintain a fair and open trading system, as well as a domestic legal system that is business-friendly. Sweden has actively promoted its position as the old Hansa capital most central to the Baltic sea region. Sweden has the second lowest corporate tax structure in Europe, making it an ideal place for investment. However, the personal tax rates are among the highest in Europe. This can have a modulating effect on the profit potential of American corporate activities in the country.