Finnish growth will continue, but at a slower pace than in recent years. There is no returning to the growth rate that preceded the financial crisis.

Weak productivity growth raises domestic production costs and hinders the competiveness of export firms as well as economic growth.

Finland’s GDP grew 1.2% quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter of 2018 and 3.1% year-on-year. The Finnish economy has now grown for ten consecutive quarters.

An extensive use of restrictions on international trade would substantially weaken global trade and economic growth in Finland.

Caucasian and Central Asian regions host ethnically and culturally diverse populations, but the countries have a long history of political and economic integration.

Investment growth has been bolstered by e.g. the quickening of domestic demand and construction activity as well as monetary policy. There has been a substantial increase in exports, for example to Germany and China.

During the third quarter of 2017, Finland’s GDP increased by 3%, private consumption by 2.1% and public consumption by 1.8% year on year. Investments increased by 9.3%.

International factors have a major impact on the outlook for the Finnish economy.