Orders in metal industry grow the most

The value of new industrial orders in September was 0.9% higher than a year previously, Statistics Finland says.

Growth was strongest in the metal industry, where the value of orders was 5.0% higher than a year earlier. In January–September, the value of new orders was 8.6% higher than a year previously.

“New orders in industry have now increased for nine consecutive months. The strong performance of industry provides an excellent foundation for a turnaround in Finland’s economic growth,” says Roope Ohlsbom, economist at Suomen Yrittäjät, the Finnish SME association.

Growth in new industrial orders has slowed during the autumn.

“Orders would probably have grown faster than they did without Donald Trump’s erratic trade policy. Despite the trade agreements concluded, the United States’ unpredictable tariff policy still slows the growth of Finland’s industry. However, uncertainty has eased since the spring, and new orders can still be expected to grow,” Ohlsbom says.

Seasonally adjusted industrial output decreased by 0.5% in September compared with August. Industry’s working-day adjusted output dropped by 1.8% compared with a year earlier.

“The new orders that have grown throughout the year will show up in industrial output with a delay. The deepest trough is behind us, and stronger recovery in production can be expected for the coming year. Despite the positive momentum, the outlook for industrial companies still involves uncertainties, and the figures do not yet indicate a more permanent cyclical turnaround,” Ohlsbom says.

Are you a Suomen Yrittäjät member yet? Read more about member benefits and advantages!