Record figures for border trade - create great concern in Norway

Border trade has increased over a number of years, but the figures now presented also surprise the Norwegian trade association NHO Mat og drank.

- We did not expect the increase to be so large. Border trade has stabilized at a very, very high level, but continues to grow. It is alarming with Norwegian eyes, says CEO Petter Haas Brubakk.

The happier the noises on the Swedish side are the border.

- We're really happy. We have a big increase with us, all industries here are on the plus, says Madeleine Ward, center manager for Charlottenberg's shopping center

The contents of the shopping carts that roll towards the parking lot outside the mall are similar.

On meat, alcohol, tobacco and everything that contains sugar there is big money to save for the Norwegians who travel to Sweden. This is both about the general price level and significantly higher taxes and fees than in Sweden.

- I pay four kronor here for one hectare of candy. At home I pay 14, says Lars Sten, who drove 60 miles to shop in Charlottenberg.

He has a bus company and usually arranges shopping trips for Christmas and Easter. This time he has 40 travelers with him.

- That's half the price of a lot. Besides sweets and soft drinks, meat is very cheap. And of course beer and wine.

For Norwegian trade, border trade is a major and ever-growing problem.

- Almost every tenth of the krone in Norwegian grocery trade is now placed on the Swedish side of the border. It is becoming a permanent market with great opportunities to make money for the players in Sweden, says Petter Haas Brubakk, CEO of NHO Mat og drank.

How do you see the future?

- I think that unless we do something here in Norway, border trade will continue to increase, and more and more Norwegians will see Sweden as their natural home market for groceries.