HELSINKI: Preliminary data released by the Finnish Customs indicated that the value of exports was roughly €4.2 billion in February, signaling a decline of some 4% from the previous year. Exports therefore fell by some seven per cent between January and February, according to the data.
The exports of oil products, machines and mechanical applications declined particularly in February, whereas those of vehicles, metal and steel picked up. The trade balance showed a deficit of some €200 million in February, bringing the total deficit over the first two months of the year to €525 million. A year earlier, the trade balance showed a deficit of €675 million.
The preliminary data also indicate that exports to outside the European Union declined by ten per cent in February due to, especially, a decline in exports to Russia and China. Exports to Sweden similarly fell, whereas those to Germany, the United States and the Netherlands increased.
