US exposure remains a key focus area for general and products liability (re)insurance

The Nordic economies—characterized by innovation, stability, and global integration—are export-driven, with key industries such as manufacturing, maritime, and technology relying on seamless international trade. The United States remains a vital trading partner. Nordic exports to the US have moderately but steadily increased over the past decade, with notable growth in certain industries such as pharmaceuticals and green energy exports adding on top of the conventional energy, forestry and metals.

As Nordic companies expand their US footprint, understanding insurance standards is instrumental for securing appropriate level of liability insurance protection. US general and products liability risks are often included in global casualty programmes, with local policies issued for US-domiciled operations. However, standalone US policies also exist. As Nordic insurers commonly provide cover world-wide, certain coverage extensions are specifically exposed to US originating risks. Excess auto liability remains a particularly complex area due to state-specific legal frameworks and high awards granted in the US courts.

Nordic insurers typically reinsure these exposures through global reinsurance markets, ensuring financial resilience. Reinsurers' and subsequently insurers' key focus remains on local US manufacturing and exports due to traditional large limits requirements by cedents. Insurers' strategic underwriting approach is crucial to understand and manage US exposure and claims praxis. Companies should carefully review their insurance structures and wordings to avoid coverage gaps — especially when navigating the intricacies of US liability and regulatory environments.