Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s successful state visit to China boosts chicken exports and trade relations

Everyone is buzzing with satisfaction after the successful state visit to China by President Alexander Stubb. Stubb has emphasized a foreign policy grounded in value-based realism, a principle on full display during his recent trip. Discussions during the visit focused on values, realism, and key topics such as Russia and pork.

This visit marks a pivotal moment for Finnish chicken exports, which are expected to access the Chinese market alongside pork by the end of the year. This was confirmed during Stubb’s visit, leading Finnish meat companies Atria and HK Foods to praise both the president and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah.

Accompanying Stubb was a broad delegation of Finnish business elites. Juho Romakkaniemi, CEO of the Central Chamber of Commerce, noted in his blog that despite inherent risks, engaging in trade with China remains beneficial.

However, in contrast to the gains celebrated, Finnish mining company Terrafame struggles due to economic issues tied to the Chinese market. Terrafame, which is state-owned and supplies battery materials for electric vehicles, faces significant challenges as low-priced Chinese electric vehicles saturate the European market, prompting the company to initiate employee layoffs.

Interestingly, while Finland pursues a strategy of securing critical minerals to counter China’s dominance in the sector, it is also welcoming Chinese investment in battery chemical plants. Three such facilities are planned, indicating a complex relationship with China in resource politics. Amidst these developments, the Finnish Export Confederation reports that many Finnish exporters view risks associated with China as minimal, raising questions about the cautious balance of trade and dependency.