SACCNY Newsletter: Top News & Initiatives
Dear SACCNY Members and Friends,
As the year comes to a close, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to each of you for being part of the SACCNY community. Your engagement, ideas, and commitment are what make this Chamber thrive.
While we are very proud to have welcomed 121 new members in the past 14 months, what makes us happiest is not growth alone, but the increased engagement we see across our membership. More members are showing up, contributing, sharing insights, and shaping conversations. Everything we do is better when our members are involved. Simply put, YOU are the Chamber.
Another area where we see clear momentum is in the business climate.
We have conducted a survey, and while we will publish the full results analyzed together with PwC next year, the preliminary findings are both nuanced and telling.
Our post tariff survey shows that over 70 percent of respondents have changed their view of the U.S. market over the past 12 months, with nearly 60 percent describing it as more challenging.
And yet—at the same time—more than 80 percent plan to increase their U.S. operations over the next three to five years.
This contrast is significant. From Sweden, we often encounter a more negative narrative about the United States. On the ground in New York, however, the business reality we experience is different. We continue to see Swedish and Nordic companies doubling down on the U.S. market, investing, expanding, and building long term partnerships. Swedish businesses typically bring a combination of flexibility and ingenuity, which positions them well to succeed in the dynamic U.S. market.
Despite turbulence at the federal level, the fundamentals remain strong. Access to capital, world leading innovation, and close collaboration between industry, academia, and government continue to enable companies to scale in ways few other markets can. For Swedish business, the U.S. remains a critical market for growth.
As a Chamber, our role is to bring clarity, context, and connection. We help cut through the noise and ensure that Swedish companies are well positioned to make their mark in the United States.
Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your belief in the power of transatlantic collaboration. We look forward to building on this momentum together in the year ahead.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful start to the New Year!
Warm regards,
Barbara Wennerholm
President, SACCNY
Recommended Resources
Reuters: EQT to double European investments but call for urgent reforms
Signum Global Advisors: Key provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act
The Daily Spark: Default Rates Are Falling
Reuters: Ikea to ramp up US production as tariffs bite
Financial Times: Could America win the AI race but lose the war?
Interested in more relevant insights on global policy and geopolitics?
Signum Global Advisors provides thoughtful analysis and resources, reach out to their team here to learn more.
Upcoming & Ongoing Events
SACCNY Business Climate Survey
As global trade continues to shift, we want to hear directly from you. We have launched a short, fully anonymous survey for Swedish and Swedish-affiliated companies operating in or exporting to the U.S. The results will be analyzed together with PwC.
Your input is highly valuable and will help ensure our work reflects the real challenges and opportunities businesses face across the Atlantic.
Please HELP US by answering the survey.
WE APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH!
Entering the U.S. Market: Real Insights for Swedish Companies — January 15
SACCNY, together with SACC USA, SACC-NE, SACC DC, and SACC Chicago, invites you to a practical webinar on U.S. market entry and expansion. Hear real-world experiences from Woolpower and Camphouse, plus expert legal and immigration insights from Law Offices A.E. Gustafsson, P.C. The session concludes with a live Q&A.
AI Leadership Summit 2026
14–15 April | New York
Artificial intelligence is redefining global leadership. This April, SACCNY, together with Accenture and Combient, brings Nordic and U.S. decision-makers together
for a high-impact AI Leadership Summit.
The summit will showcase Swedish and Nordic AI and create a transatlantic platform for dialogue on the strategic, commercial, and societal forces shaping the future of AI.
We look forward to welcoming you to this Flagship Summit!
For 120 years, The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in New York has served as a bridge between Sweden and the United States, connecting businesses, innovation, and cultural exchange that shape the future.
What began in 1906 as a small network of visionary entrepreneurs has grown into one of the world’s most dynamic chambers abroad. Today, SACCNY continues its legacy by empowering innovation, fostering collaboration, and championing the transatlantic community that drives progress forward.
As we celebrate this milestone we invite you to join us on
April 16, 2026
for a magical Anniversary Gala in the presence of SACCNY Patron H.R.H. Princess Madeleine of Sweden
Member tickets will be released in January. If you would like to secure your spot early, please reach out to us: info@saccny.org
SACCNY Highlights
SACCNY at The Armory Show
We were delighted to co-host a reception with Wetterling Gallery at their striking booth at The Armory Show. It was a joy to bring together members, friends, and partners, in a space buzzing with creativity, and watch a Swedish gallery steal the spotlight and make its mark on New York’s art scene.
Nordic Equities Lunch Presentation
We were pleased to gather our community at Scandinavia House for a Lunch Presentation with Jonas Jakobson, Founder of Nordic Equities, who shared key insights on how AI, robotics, and digitalization are reshaping global business.
A special thank you to Björk Café for the excellent lunch!
Welcoming the Swedish Chambers International Board to New York
The 2-day program included briefings on the U.S. business-politics interplay with Dagens Industri, global geopolitics with the Swedish UN Mission, Sweden-inspired congestion pricing with Partnership for NY President Kathryn Wylde, and a thought-provoking NYFW sustainability panel at the Swedish Residence.
Day two featured reflections on American politics with FT columnist Gillian Tett, key transatlantic challenges and opportunities with USCIB, and exclusive meetings with leadership at Spotify and Moody’s Ratings for deep dives into innovation and evolving credit trends.
The successful visit concluded with an inspiring roundtable dinner with Consul General of Sweden in New York Erik Ullenhag.
Holiday Shopping with Eton
During a festive evening at Eton’s flagship store in New York, members and guests explored Eton’s Custom Made service and soaked in smooth jazz from the Max Eklund Trio. Jakob Lundén, Head of Retail, shared insights on Eton’s commitment to quality and timeless style.
Sip-and-Shop with STAUD
We recently teamed up with STAUD for a cozy evening in their SoHo boutique, where our members came together for good conversation, meaningful connections, and a little after-hours shopping.
A Night to Remember with DKMS
What a memorable evening at the DKMS gala, where the SACCNY Board and some of our partners came together in support of a truly lifesaving mission. We are proud to stand with DKMS and grateful to have been part of a night that celebrates generosity, hope, and the difference we can make when we come together for a good cause.
Skyline 2025, what a success!
With nine companies in this year’s program and already fifteen deals in the pipeline, Skyline 2025 closed on a high note. Together with the Swedish Energy Agency and Build Edison, we welcomed the cohort to New York for a final week of market insights, investor access, and hands-on exposure to the city’s innovation and real estate landscape.
From expert sessions with EY, J.P. Morgan, Deloitte, and JLL to tours of Hudson Yards, 1245 Broadway, and Newlab, the delegation connected directly with key players shaping the future of the built environment. We also gathered partners and investors at the Swedish Residence for a “Shark Tank” session and much appreciated match-making. A special thank you to David Roll!
We cannot wait to see how this impressive cohort continues to scale, disrupt, and shape the next chapter of sustainable real estate!
American Friends of Nationalmuseum Sweden
A few weeks ago, we gathered with Nationalmuseum and friends of the arts for an inspiring evening at the Swedish Residence in New York.
The event marked the launch of American Friends of Nationalmuseum Sweden, a new initiative to expand support and spotlight the museum’s work in the United States. Museum Director Patrick Amsellem shared a fascinating look at Manhattan’s architectural story, very nicely weaving it together with the history of the Swedish Residence itself, a true landmark building.
Unlocking the Secrets of Healthy Longevity
SACCNY recently hosted an exceptionally captivating evening in partnership with SEB and Karolinska Institutet, exploring The Metabolic Clock—the science behind how exercise, nutrition, and circadian rhythms influence metabolic health and aging.
The evening included opening remarks by Annika Östman Wernerson, President of Karolinska Institutet, and a presentation by Professor Juleen R. Zierath, member of the Nobel Committee and a global leader in metabolism and diabetes research.
We extend our sincere thanks to John Arne Wang and SEB for hosting us in their beautiful office!
The Leadership Lab
We recently hosted a much appreciated Leadership Lab with Coach Carina Vinberg at the new SACCNY Gateway, where members explored how values, brainpower, and action shape great leaders. The session inspired participants, giving them practical tools to lead with clarity, credibility, and confidence.
It was a reminder of the power of reflection, connection, and learning together as a community of leaders. Please contact Carina for more information: carina@coachcarinavinberg.com
From Free Markets to Strategic Markets: Business Leadership in an Age of Increasing Government Power
How much government direction can open, competitive economies absorb before it begins to stifle innovation and efficiency? This question guided one of our latest Executive Insight sessions, held in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sweden in New York and the Karl-Adam Bonniers Stiftelse.
Daniella Ballou-Aares from Leadership Now Project and Isaac Stone Fish from Strategy Risks challenged conventional thinking on how politics and economics collide, and what the new reality demands of today’s business leaders.
One Year of Trump: Where Are the US, EU, and Sweden Headed?
And Why Were Economists So Wrong?
At the most recent Executive Insight session, renowned Swedish economist Klas Eklund offered a witty and incisive look at why so many early predictions about the economy have not yet materialized and what the first year of Trump’s second term reveals about the road ahead.
Eklund highlighted the resilience of the U.S. economy despite a series of global shocks. Companies have adapted faster than expected, rebuilding supply chains, forming new partnerships, and managing costs with impressive agility. The scale and dynamism of the American market continue to attract global investment, even as perceptions in Sweden have grown more cautious.
Thank you to the Consulate General of Sweden in New York and SEB New York for fantastic collaboration!
Board Meeting in New York
We are grateful to SEB New York for hosting the SACCNY December board meeting!
The board convened with clear focus on strategic priorities and new ways to deepen value for our members. We are sincerely thankful for the board’s continued dedication and strong commitment to advancing SACCNY’s mission.
Lucia Luncheon and The 2025 Lucia Trade & Innovation Award
Last week, we welcomed members and friends to our annual Lucia Luncheon!
We have just one word for the event: EPIC.
The highlight of the luncheon was the highly anticipated return of the 30th Lucia Trade & Innovation Award, recognizing visionary organizations and leaders whose contributions have deepened ties between Sweden and the United States and whose transformative innovation shapes industries and strengthens transatlantic cooperation.
Spotify was selected as the 30th recipient in recognition of its groundbreaking contributions to reshaping a global industry and pioneering innovation that enriches human connection, amplifies cultural expression, and brings the power of music and audio to people around the world, a testament to Swedish ingenuity on a global stage.
The award itself is a sculpture titled Bridge of Light by the Swedish artist Nathalia Edenmont, generously donated by Wetterling Gallery. The sculpture is accompanied by a hand-painted watercolor diploma by Swedish artist Elisabeth Biström who also designs the diplomas for the Nobel Laureates.
We wish to extend our sincerest congratulations to Spotify, and a heartfelt thank you to Wetterling Gallery and Elisabeth Biström for their generous donations.
As Christian Luiga states: “The award celebrates the idea that when we innovate together, we all move forward.”
A much-anticipated moment of the luncheon was the Golden Ticket auction, which brought both excitement and generosity to the room. We warmly congratulate this year’s Golden Ticket winners, STHLMNYC Agency! We hope the winners will thoroughly enjoy their exclusive at home dinner experience with celebrated, and loved by so many, chef Pontus Frithiof.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Swedish tradition, bold innovation, and the transatlantic connections that continue to inspire and shape the future!
See pictures from the event here
Spotlight!
Some of Our Newest Members
Accenture is a global professional services and consulting leader helping organizations reinvent how they operate in an increasingly digital world. With deep expertise across strategy, technology, data & AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and sustainability, Accenture supports clients across industries in building resilient, future-ready businesses. Guided by a purpose to deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity, Accenture creates meaningful, long-term value for clients, people, and society.
Scandinavian craftsmanship since 1928
Eton believes a great shirt is more than just clothing—it’s a statement of confidence, craftsmanship, and timeless style. Founded in Sweden in 1928, Eton has grown into a global leader in premium men’s shirting and soft tailoring, known for their uncompromising quality, innovative fabrics, and attention to detail.
With flagship stores on 330 and 833 Madison Avenue and a presence in top retailers worldwide, Eton continues to redefine modern elegance for the discerning gentleman.
Custom Made by Eton
For those seeking a truly personal experience, the Custom Made service offers the opportunity to design a shirt tailored to your exact preferences. From fabric selection to collar style, cuff design, and monogramming, every detail is yours to choose—crafted with the same precision and care that defines Eton.
Whether for business, leisure, or a special occasion, Eton’s Custom Made shirts are the ultimate expression of individuality and luxury.
MODO has been crafting lightweight, high‑quality eyewear since 1990 — blending New‑York energy, Milan craftsmanship, and Scandinavian minimalism into each frame.
More than just stylish glasses, MODO stands for purpose: with every frame sold, they help a child in need see through their “Buy a Frame – Help a Child See” programme. So far the company has helped over 2 million children worldwide.
Member Shout-out
We are delighted to spotlight The Honey of Sweden, an award-winning premium honey crafted in the wildflower meadows of Kronoberg. Naturally matured and unpasteurized, this “slow honey” is celebrated for its irresistibly rich, creamy texture and deep notes of caramel and toffee. One spoonful is enough to understand why it’s winning over food lovers everywhere.
Co-owners Morgan Cederblom and Mats Olofsson bring true Swedish craftsmanship to every jar, and their momentum is remarkable. With international gold-medal recognition, expanding distribution across the Caribbean and the United States, and growing retail presence including Amazon, The Honey of Sweden is quickly becoming a new favorite for anyone who appreciates exceptional flavor.
If you haven’t tasted it yet, this is your sign.
SACCNY members enjoy 20% off with code M20 at www.thehoneyofsweden.com
