OECD

Finland: A bounce in exports

Output continued to decline in Finland over the first half of the year, as the collapse in exports deepened. However, a recovery should get underway by the end of 2009 with a bounce in exports from the current very low levels and substantial restocking. Harmonised inflation has remained above the euro area average due to large negotiated wage increases. The unemployment rate has climbed sharply, and is expected to continue to rise, magnified by significant labour market rigidities.

The government’s initial response to the downturn, including assistance to banks and businesses and a modest fiscal stimulus, provided material support to activity. Further significant fiscal loosening is planned but it may be counterproductive if it comes just as the recovery gets underway. While some consolidation measures have been announced, a coherent plan for a substantial fiscal consolidation should be articulated as soon possible, and put in place once the recovery is on a firm footing. The forthcoming wage negotiations should align outcomes more closely to productivity within firms.

©OECD Observer 2010




Economic data

GDP growth: +0.2% Q4 2019
Consumer price inflation: 2.3% January 2020
Trade (G20): -0.1% exp, -1.3% imp, Q4 2019
Unemployment: 5.1% January 2020
Last update: 11 March 2020

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