Finland's GDP rises 0.9% in Q1, signalling unexpected economic turnaround

Finland's gross domestic product grew by 0.9 percent in the first quarter of 2024, the second‑largest pace among OECD members after South Korea. Danske Bank chief economist Minna Kuusisto described the result as a genuine “turnaround”, noting that growth was broad‑based across industry, services, retail and construction.

Aktia’s chief economist Lasse Corin added that the expansion reflects a longer‑term upturn rather than a one‑off spike, pointing to rising private‑sector investment and a rebound in imports. Both analysts cautioned that uncertainty remains and that the pace may moderate in coming quarters, but they see the Q1 data as a clear shift from the decade‑long investment slump that had weighed on the Finnish economy.