B2B payment practices trends in Nordics 2025

How are Nordic companies managing trade credit, supplier payments, and working capital amid rising financial risks?

Denmark

Trade credit offers expanded but bad debts still a major worry

57% of companies in Denmark report no significant change in the payment behaviour of B2B customers compared to the previous year. Overdue invoices currently affect 41% of all B2B sales on credit. Delays are mainly due to customer cash flow issues. Bad debts remain a concern, with 7% of B2B invoices written off as uncollectable. To support demand and strengthen customer relationships, 48% of Danish companies have expanded their trade credit offerings. 

Financial resilience crucial amid concern about rising insolvency risk

Half of Danish companies anticipate a rise in B2B customer insolvencies during the next 12 months, signalling growing concerns about liquidity bottlenecks, notably in the transport industry. Despite this, most businesses expect Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) to remain steady, likely due to stronger focus on payment collection efficiency. Inventory days are also expected to remain stable or improve, reflecting some confidence in maintaining sales performance, though profit outlooks are more restrained. Days Payable Outstanding (DPO) is forecast to stay unchanged for many.

Finland

Companies delay payments to suppliers as liquidity pressure bites

Our survey finds that 50% of Finnish companies report no major changes in payment behaviour of B2B customers during recent months.  Overdue invoices currently affect an average 43% of all B2B transactions, with payment delays primarily attributed to customer cash flow challenges or deliberate holdbacks. Bad debts account for 4% of B2B invoices. To stimulate sales and maintain competitiveness, 55% of firms have increased trade credit offerings, while average payment terms typically range between 31 and 60 days.

Widespread concern about rising insolvency risk and operating costs

51% of companies in Finland anticipate a rise in B2B customer insolvencies during the year ahead, signalling heightened concerns over financial stability. This growing risk aligns with a cautious outlook on sales performance, with most firms expecting Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) to remain consistent. Businesses also believe inventory levels will stay stable, along with a similar trend for Days Payable Outstanding (DPO). Many companies foresee opting to delay payments to suppliers in order to maintain liquidity. 

Sweden

Inventory build-ups a worry amid payment behaviour deterioration

B2B payment practices trends – A decline in payment behaviour is reported by 45% of Swedish companies, resulting in slower payment cycles. Overdue invoices currently affect an average 33% of all B2B invoices, with payment delays primarily driven by customer cash flow issues. Bad debts account for an average 6% of B2B invoices. 65% of firms have increased trade credit offerings, and nearly 60% of B2B sales are now made on credit. Payment terms average between 31 and 60 days from invoicing. 

Widespread concern over rising insolvency risk and fluctuating DSO

Looking ahead – 54% of companies across various industries in Sweden anticipate a rise in B2B customer insolvencies during the year ahead, and as a direct consequence also expect Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) to fluctuate significantly. In response, businesses say they will boost their use of invoice financing to accelerate cash inflows and safeguard liquidity. Inventory days are expected to remain stable or improve, supported by cautious optimism about sales performance, although profit outlooks remain less positive. Most firms predict Days Payable Outstanding (DPO) will be stable. 

Interested in finding out more?

For a complete overview of the 2025 survey results for Nordics, download the full report available in the related documents section below.

To explore more on how these insights can strengthen your own credit risk strategy, speak with us at Atradius to see how we can help you stay ahead.