National accounts for the first quarter of 2017 : Finland’s economic growth becoming export-driven

According to the most recent quarterly national accounts, Finland’s GDP in the first quarter of 2017 grew 1.2% quarter on quarter and 2.7% year on year. The data signal similar economic developments for early 2017 as previously estimated, i.e. economic growth is becoming more broadly based. Net exports, in particular, increased, fuelled by a tangible increase in exports. However, GDP growth in the first quarter of 2017 was slightly weaker than suggested by the flash estimate published in May, while GDP figures for the fourth quarter of 2016 were revised upwards. Nevertheless, the Finnish economy has now grown for three consecutive quarters.