Swedish East India Company

Common card · No. 342908

The Swedish East India Company was a chartered trading company based in Gothenburg, Sweden. Established in 1731, the company was entitled to conduct trade with India, China, and the Far East. The venture was inspired by the success of other European trading companies at the time. This made the city of Gothenburg a central hub in Europe for trade in Eastern products. The main goods were black pepper, spices, silk, tea, furniture, porcelain, precious stones, and other distinctive luxury items. Trade with India and China saw the arrival of some new customs in Sweden. The cultural influence increased, and tea, rice, arrack (a drink made from fermented sap or sugarcane) and new root vegetables started appearing in Swedish homes. It grew to become the largest trading company in Sweden during the 18th century: a total of 132 expeditions were carried out with 37 different ships. The company folded in 1813; nevertheless, it left clear footprints that can still be seen in Gothenburg.

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