Statistics 2020
SCC's yearly case statistics include for example information on how many cases have been administered, the type of agreement that formed the basis for the disputes and information on the time from request to award.
A total of 213 cases were registered by the SCC during 2020, an increase from 175 in 2019, and the second-highest caseload in SCC history. Other highlights of the statistics include an increase in the total share of women arbitrators appointed, a shorter average time from referral to award compared to previous years.
Read a short analysis of 2020 statistics >> here
In 2020, the SCC registered 213 new cases, of which 105 were international disputes and 108 were Swedish disputes (involved only Swedish parties).
Of the 2020 caseload, 62% (131 cases) were arbitrations registered under the SCC Arbitration Rules, and 31% (67 cases) were registered under the SCC Rules for Expedited Arbitrations. The SCC also registered 5 Emergency Arbitrator proceedings.
Parties from 42 different countries appeared in disputes before the SCC in 2020.
The disputes brought to the SCC in 2020 stemmed from many different types of agreements. Most frequently, parties brought disputes arising out of service agreements, delivery agreements and business acquisitions.
40% of the awards rendered under the SCC Arbitration Rules in 2020, were rendered within six months from when the case was referred to the arbitrator or tribunal. Another 42% of the awards were rendered between 6 to 12 months from the date of referral. (11 awards were settlement awards.)
Almost 50% of the awards rendered under the SCC Rules for Expedited Arbitration in 2020 were rendered within three months from referral. Another 40% of the awards were rendered between three to six months from referral. (4 awards were settlement awards.)
The most frequent applicable law in SCC cases commenced in 2020 was Swedish law (70%, 150 cases), followed by English law and CISG.
* CSIG: UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods
The numbers indicate the total amount in dispute in cases commenced in 2020. They include cases under the SCC Rules, Expedited Rules and Emergency Arbitrations where the information was available.
The vast majority of the cases registered in 2020 used Swedish or English language.
77% of the cases commenced in 2020, Stockholm was selected as the seat of arbitration. Gothenburg and Malmö were the second most frequently chosen seats. Seats outside of Sweden remain relatively rare in SCC arbitrations.
*NA = not applicable
If a decision on interim measures is needed to provisionally ensure a party’s claim before the commencement of an arbitration, the party may apply to the SCC for the appointment of an emergency arbitrator in accordance with the SCC Rules.
Of the five emergency arbitrator proceedings initiated in 2020, one resulted in interim relief being partially granted. Four requests were denied.
As of 2017, there is no default under the SCC Arbitration Rules in favour of a three-member tribunal.
In 47% (75 cases) of the 131 cases commenced under the Arbitration Rules in 2020, it was decided on a three member tribunal. In 32% (42) of the cases, it was decided on a sole arbitrator.
Number of appointed arbitrators from a specific continent.
Most arbitrators appointed in SCC cases commenced in 2020 were of European nationalities. However, arbitrators from North America, Australia and South America were also appointed.
In 2020 the number of women appointed arbitrators has generally increased. In total 31% of the appointed arbitrators were women and 69% were men.
Among the 17 challenges of arbitrator launched in 2020, 14 challenges were dismissed, 2 were sustained. One challenged arbitrator was released before any decision on challenge was made. In addition there was 2 requests for relief.