HELSINKI, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Finland's economy expanded slightly in 2025, marking a fragile return to growth after a period of stagnation, according to data released by Statistics Finland on Friday.
Finland's gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.2 percent in 2025, with the fourth quarter registering a 0.4 percent growth, compared to the previous quarter.
The positive figure was mainly based on a lower GDP volume in the first half of 2024. The statistical agency said the economic growth in the fourth quarter was driven by increased investments and private consumption.
Between October and December 2025, public investments increased by 2.3 percent from the July to September level, while private consumption grew by 0.4 percent. Growth in the two sectors contributed to a 0.4 percent increase in GDP during the last quarter.
The forest industry performed strongly in the first quarter of 2025, while the chemical industry recorded particularly robust growth in the second quarter. However, both sectors contracted in the third quarter, along with the metal industry. In the final quarter, the metal and chemical industries returned to growth.
However, construction activity remained subdued, with the volume throughout 2025 remaining at a lower level than in 2024.
Jukka Appelqvist, chief economist at the Finnish Chamber of Commerce, said the growth at the end of last year indicates the end of a recession. "A lot of expectations have been placed on the recovery of domestic demand in business cycle forecasts. The increase is not yet spectacular, but the direction is finally positive," he said.
Separately, Statistics Finland said output of the national economy showed signs of a rebound at the start of 2026. Seasonally adjusted output rose 1.1 percent in January from the previous month.
