Finnish Goods Exports Rebound In 2025, Growth Driven By Non-EU Demand

HELSINKI, Feb 6 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Finnish goods exports returned to growth in 2025 after two weak years, Finnish Customs reported on Thursday, with the increase driven entirely by demand outside the European Union (EU), reported Xinhua.

Finland's export value rose 3 per cent from 2024 to 74.3 billion euros (US$87.6 billion), while export volume increased 3.8 per cent year on year, according to preliminary international trade data released by Finnish Customs. Import value edged up 0.4 per cent to 75.2 billion euros, and import volume also turned positive, rising 2.9 per cent.

The rebound followed two weak years. In 2024, export value fell 5.5 per cent after a 6.7 per cent decline in 2023. Import value decreased 2.6 per cent in 2024, following a 16.9 per cent drop in 2023.

"Overall, the 2025 statistics show that Finland held its own despite the uncertainties in the global economy," said Olli-Pekka Penttila, director of statistics at Finnish Customs, in a press release.

Penttila noted that export growth was based solely on increased demand outside the EU. Exports to non-EU countries rose 7.3 per cent in 2025, while exports to EU markets remained at the 2024 level.

Sweden remained Finland's largest export destination in 2025, accounting for 11.5 per cent of total goods exports, followed by the United States, Germany and the Netherlands. China ranked fifth, taking a 4.5 per cent share.

On the import side, Germany and Sweden were Finland's largest suppliers, accounting for 13.8 per cent and 11.6 per cent, respectively. China ranked third, with a 9.4 per cent share.

By product group, exports of transport equipment and ships contributed the most to overall growth, with their value rising by slightly more than one quarter. Exports of pharmaceutical products declined 16 per cent, while fertiliser exports increased by the same rate. Exports of forest industry products rose 3 per cent. (1 euro =  US$1.18) 

--BERNAMA-XINHUA