Employment in the seafood sector in Sweden has shown a consistent downward trend over the years as measured in value or volume. In 2023, the sector stood at 1.04 million hours, reflecting a 12.61% decline from 2022. Historically, the sector saw a 6.2% decrease in 2015 and more significant drops in 2018 and 2019 at 20.6% and 28.65% respectively. Even with a temporary increase of 12.12% in 2020, the overall employment trend has been negative. The five-year CAGR leading up to 2023 was -10.88%, indicating a steady decline in employment hours.

Future trends to watch:

Continued focus on automation and technological advancements which might further reduce the need for manual labor.
Potential policy changes aimed at boosting employment or introducing new sustainable fishing practices.
Market demand fluctuations due to changes in consumer preferences and international trade regulations.