Finland Industry Confidence Edges Lower in August

Finland’s manufacturing confidence indicator edged down to 6 in August 2026 from 7 in the previous month, easing slightly after reaching its highest level since June 2022 in July, but remaining above its long-term average of 0. Production expectations for the coming months moderated to 22 from 30 in July, while capacity utilization declined, with 64% of companies reporting they were operating at full capacity, down from 68% in the previous month and below the historical average of 70%. At the same time, assessments of order books improved to -5 from -11, moving closer to normal levels, while views on finished goods inventories edged up to 0 from -1, indicating inventories were broadly in line with their long-term average.

Finland’s manufacturing confidence indicator rose to 7 in July 2026 from 4 in the previous month, holding at its highest level since June 2022 and remaining above its long-term average of 0. Production expectations for the coming months strengthened further to 31 from 28 in June, while spare capacity in the sector remained notable, with 68% of respondents reporting they were operating at full capacity in June, up from 66% in the previous month, although it remained below the historical average of 70%. Assessments of order books remained unchanged from -11, moving closer to normal levels, while views on finished goods inventories declined to -1 from 3.

Finland’s manufacturing confidence indicator remained unchanged at 4 in June 2026, holding at its highest level since July 2022 and remaining above its long-term average of 0. Production expectations for the coming months strengthened further to 27 from 25 in May, while spare capacity in the sector remained notable, with 66% of respondents reporting they were operating at full capacity in June, up from 63% in the previous month, although it remained below the historical average of 70%. Assessments of order books improved to -11 from -14, moving closer to normal levels, while views on finished goods inventories rose to 3 from 1, returning to their long-term average. "The economic picture is brightening. Uncertainties related to geopolitics have eased somewhat, although the conflict in the Middle East is creating cost pressures," Jouko Kangasniemi, Economist at the Confederation of Finnish Industry, said.