The Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 53.1 in October, from 51.3 in September, according to Swedbank and Silf.
The index is usually seen as a measure of the economic situation in the Swedish manufacturing industry. An index above 50 indicates growth, and vice versa.
Economists had on average expected an index of 51.6 in October, according to Bloomberg's compilation.
"Swedish industry surprises positively in October after the downturn in the third quarter. It's a sign of strength, even though the slow global economy and the risk of increased tariffs can put a spanner in the works further ahead,” says Jörgen Kennemar, responsible for the analysis of the Purchasing Managers' Index at Swedbank, in a press release.
The index has shown growth for three months in a row, but is still below the historical average of 54.3.