The minister is responsible for policies related to trade and investment promotion.

The current Minister for Foreign Trade is Benjamin Dousa of the Moderate Party.

Gunnar Lange (s) held the office for the longest time; 14 years and 32 days.

In 2014, the post of Minister of Commerce and Industry was abolished and trade matters were transferred to the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation by the Löfven I Cabinet.

In connection with the government reshuffle on 25 May 2016, the post was re-established and is sorted under the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.