Finland’s economy grows 0.9% in first quarter, reversing downturn

Finland’s gross domestic product rose by 0.9% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous three months, according to figures released Friday by Statistics Finland.

The growth marks a turnaround after the economy contracted through much of 2025, with the expansion accelerating since late last year. Defense investments have contributed significantly to the uptick, the agency noted.

Public sector investment surged by 30.8% as deliveries of state-procured fighter jets began. Export volumes also climbed 3.2% from the previous quarter, while private consumption increased by 0.9% from the final quarter of 2025.