HELSINKI, Feb. 5 (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).
Finland's export value rose 3 percent from 2024 to 74.3 billion euros (87.6 billion U.S. dollars), while export volume increased 3.8 percent year on year, according to preliminary international trade data released by Finnish Customs. Import value edged up 0.4 percent to 75.2 billion euros, and import volume also turned positive, rising 2.9 percent.
The rebound followed two weak years. In 2024, export value fell 5.5 percent after a 6.7 percent decline in 2023. Import value decreased 2.6 percent in 2024, following a 16.9 percent 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 percent 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 percent of total goods exports, followed by the United States, Germany and the Netherlands. China ranked fifth, taking a 4.5 percent share.
On the import side, Germany and Sweden were Finland's largest suppliers, accounting for 13.8 percent and 11.6 percent, respectively. China ranked third, with a 9.4 percent 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 percent, while fertiliser exports increased by the same rate. Exports of forest industry products rose 3 percent. (1 euro = 1.18 U.S. dollars)
