Western Sweden braces for Brexit

Almost a year and a half after the historic vote to have the United Kingdom leave the EU, Brexit has companies in Sweden bracing for a backlash.  

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  Klädesholmen island in Bohuslännorth of Göteborg is completely dependent on fishing and tourism. Image: Wikimedia Commons

• Nothing certain has been said by the UK companies that have locations in western Sweden, but the area has been hit hard by currency fluctuations that have already seen a 15 percent decrease in exports.

• With the implementation of Brexit looming, the Swedish fishing industry is especially worried about the effect the rights to fish in UK/EU waters will have on them. As much as 20 percent of current fishing takes place in British waters, which is worth SEK 150-200 million (up to USD 23.7 million) per year. If the rights to fish in British waters aren’t extended, it could be a catastrophe for the Swedish fishing industry.