As global economic conditions continue to evolve, the trade and investment relationship between the United Kingdom and Finland remains a source of strategic opportunity for businesses on both sides. The latest UK–Finland trade and investment factsheet, published on 2 February 2026, shows that total bilateral trade in goods and services reached £6.2 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2025. This represents a modest decline of 2.9 per cent, or £184 million, compared with the previous year.

While overall trade softened slightly, the underlying figures point to a balanced and resilient partnership. UK exports to Finland totalled £3.2 billion, while imports from Finland stood at £3.1 billion, highlighting a relationship that remains broadly even in value and scope.

Services exports continue to lead

A closer look at exports reveals where momentum is strongest. Of the £3.2 billion exported from the UK to Finland, £1.9 billion, or 58.8 per cent, came from services. Notably, services exports rose by 4.6 per cent, or £82 million, over the year. By contrast, UK goods exports to Finland amounted to £1.3 billion, falling by 8.7 per cent, or £124 million.

This divergence underlines Finland’s growing appetite for UK expertise in areas such as professional services, financial services, legal advisory and specialist consultancy. For UK firms operating in high-value service sectors, Finland continues to offer a receptive and sophisticated market, particularly where digital capability and sector knowledge are key differentiators.

Improving trade balance

The latest figures also show an improvement in the UK’s overall trade position with Finland. In the four quarters to Q3 2025, the UK recorded a trade surplus of £119 million, up from a surplus of £19 million a year earlier.

Although the UK continues to run a deficit in goods trade, reflecting Finland’s strength in manufacturing and industrial exports, this is more than offset by the UK’s surplus in services. Strong two-way flows in advanced machinery, automotive components and specialist manufacturing inputs further demonstrate the complementary nature of the two economies.

Investment links highlight future potential

Investment data points to opportunities for deeper engagement. At the end of 2024, the UK’s foreign direct investment stock in Finland was valued at £18.6 billion, although year-on-year comparisons are limited due to data disclosure constraints. Finnish investment into the UK stood at £590 million, a 12.9 per cent decline, or £87 million, compared with the previous year. Finland currently accounts for less than 0.1 per cent of total UK inward FDI stock.

For UK businesses, this relatively modest level of Finnish investment into the UK, alongside substantial UK investment in Finland, suggests room to strengthen two-way capital flows. Finland’s strengths in clean technology, digital innovation and sustainable industrial solutions align closely with UK capabilities and long-term growth priorities.

Stable outlook supports collaboration

Economic forecasts provide a supportive backdrop. Finland’s GDP growth is projected to rise from 0.5 per cent in 2025 to 1.3 per cent in 2026, while GDP per capita is expected to increase from $56,100 to $59,700 over the same period.

Together, these indicators point to a stable and high-income market with continued demand for specialist goods, services and investment partnerships.

For UK and Finnish firms alike, the message is clear. While trade volumes may fluctuate, the fundamentals of the UK–Finland relationship remain strong, balanced and well suited to deeper collaboration, particularly in services, innovation and long-term investment.