. We write about border trade very often - it turns out that many of us shop near the border due to lower prices. This applies primarily to food products. Over the last year, border trade increased by NOK 17,6 billion. This is a new record as the price of alcoholic beverages has continued to rise since 2018. Figures from Statistics Norway show that border trade has increased by as much as 15,1 percent in the last 12 months compared to the same period last year. In the third quarter, border trade was almost NOK 1 billion higher than a year ago. Is this a good trend? How does this affect the Norwegian economy itself?
! What about Norwegian trade?
“Increased border trade has serious consequences for Norwegian trade.” – (CEO NHO Service and Trade Anne-Cecilie Kaltenborn).
According to calculations by Menon Economics, in 2017, border trade led to a loss of 5,375 jobs in the Norwegian trade industry. New calculations show that this number increased to 6000 people. Looking at this problem visually, in every grocery store in One Norwegian worker loses his job due to the increase in border trade.
What do politicians say?
. Experts call on politicians to... taking the problem of skyrocketing trading seriously on the border. Many border workers are employed by Swedish employers. This has to change. Lowering beer prices is also a problem. Many Swedes buy this alcohol in Denmark because it is cheaper. What should you do? According to experts, first of all, reduce it prices of special products in Norway.
Summarizing - concrete action is a must!
In conclusion, the situation will not change without specific action. Perhaps more Norwegian brands should think about setting up their stores on border and employment of workers in Norway? There is certainly no specific recipe. We will monitor any changes and certainly keep you informed.
Source of information: https://www.dagensperspektiv.no/
Be sure to read: Healthcare in Norway - patient rights
