Sweden wins exemption from EU retaliatory tariffs, Left Party MP reported for hate speech, and other news from Sweden on Wednesday.

Sweden wins exemption from EU retaliatory tariffs

Sweden secured a carve-out for kaolin from the EU’s retaliatory tariffs against US metal levies, with Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa hailing it as a victory for the country. 

Kaolin, essential for Swedish paper, paint, and pharmaceutical production, is largely imported from the United States. 

Despite supporting EU unity, Sweden opposed punitive tariffs on critical imports, warning of self-inflicted economic harm.

Two other exemptions requested by Sweden were granted, with another two denied.

EU states will vote on the broader tariff list on Wednesday. The Union’s response to expected US car tariffs remains under discussion, with Sweden urging caution to protect its export-dependent economy.

Swedish vocabulary: tullar ‒ tariffs

Left Party MP reported for hate speech over antisemitic post

The Official Council of Swedish Jewish Communities reported the Left Party MP Lorena Delgado Varas to the police for hate crimes, or hets mot folkgrupp, because of her decision to share a “deeply antisemitic image” on the social media site X, along with a statement that “the Zionist Jews control the world”. 

The image, deemed antisemitic by the council, has sparked calls for her resignation.

Delgado Varas, who also sits on her party’s executive board, claimed she had not read the full caption before posting and deleted it shortly after. She has previously drawn attention for defying parliamentary dress codes by wearing a keffiyeh.

Labour Minister Mats Persson has joined calls for her departure, while the Left Party faces pressure to distance itself publicly.

Swedish vocabulary: hets ‒ incitement

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Sweden convenes crisis meeting over Trump tariffs

Sweden’s government convened an emergency strategy session following US tariff escalations that threaten to disrupt global trade.

Officials from the finance, trade, and environment ministries met to assess economic fallout and consider responses. The meeting, prompted by US duties on European metals, aimed to coordinate Sweden’s position ahead of key EU votes.

The office of the prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, said that the session focused on risk analysis and strategic response.

Swedish vocabulary: krismöte ‒ crisis meeting

Swedish central bank warns of economic fallout from tariff war

Riksbank Governor Erik Thedéen warned that US tariffs could trigger inflation and hamper growth.

Speaking after a parliamentary briefing, Thedéen said the Swedish central bank may need to revise its March growth forecast downward.

The tariff-driven market volatility poses risks to financial stability, particularly for real estate firms and investment funds. He described the trade war as “caused by a single man’s pen,” alluding to Donald Trump.

While inflationary pressures from tariffs are possible, the broader economic slowdown may counterbalance them. Thedéen stressed the central bank is in close contact with international counterparts and domestic regulators as uncertainty looms.

Swedish vocabulary: tillväxt ‒ growth

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Swedish eco-hotel left 158 barrels of human waste in forest

A bankrupt Swedish luxury hotel, once marketed as eco-friendly, left behind 158 barrels of human waste in a forest, prompting an environmental crime investigation.

Staff told the Dagens Nyheter newspaper that wastewater was dumped directly into nature. Swedish authorities say the practice may constitute a serious violation of environmental law.

The hotel’s owners, facing millions in debts, are now developing a new “sustainable” hotel in Guatemala. One of them dismissed the Swedish tax authorities as “narcissistic” and claimed to be destitute.

The property charged SEK 10,000 per night at its peak, luring guests with forest tranquility and environmental credentials. 

Swedish vocabulary: bajs ‒ poo