A stronger krona dampens exports – what happens to purchasing power?

2 mars, 2026

In recent years, the export of used cars out of Sweden has grown. A weak krona has made it extra affordable to buy cars from Sweden. But in 2025, the Swedish krona has strengthened, new rules have been introduced for many neighboring countries in Europe and exports have slowed down.

Exports of used passenger cars from Sweden have declined sharply in the past year. The decline began at the end of 2024, when exports fell by eight percent for the full year, and has continued in 2025. During the first half of the year, around 20 percent fewer cars were exported compared to the same period last year. The loss is estimated to have been even greater in the second half of the year, although complete statistics for the whole of 2025 are not yet available.

An important explanation is that the krona has strengthened. For buyers who shop in euros, this means higher prices and thus lower purchasing power.

The connection between the exchange rate and exports is clear. When the krona strengthens, demand from export buyers decreases, which in turn leads to lower prices. Statistics show that a strengthening of the krona by 50 öre against the euro leads to a decline in export volume of around 30 percent. When fewer cars are sold for export, the price level is also pressured, and the average price among export items falls by around 10 percent for every 50 öre strengthening of the krona exchange rate.

Demand for kvdbil.se remains strong

Despite this, purchasing power on Kvdbil 's marketplace remains strong. The explanation is broad demand where private individuals, companies and traders play a central role, alongside export buyers.

– Kvdbil stands on several legs, which means that we are well equipped even in a situation with lower exports. At the same time, we continue to develop the export business, including by having our trading platform translated into several languages – most recently German and soon also Danish – and by adapting marketing and content for export-buying customers and ensuring smooth logistics solutions. We also have partnerships that match buyers and sellers in Europe and an ongoing dialogue with export customers to calibrate our routines, says Peter Manhof, Marketing Manager at Kvdbil .

Overall, this shows the importance of a broad and multifaceted offering to effectively match sellers and buyers.

– The currency affects exports, but our strength lies in our ability to deliver business regardless of market conditions, concludes Peter.