Finland’s manufacturing confidence indicator held steady at 4 in June 2026, matching May’s reading and remaining at its highest level since July 2022. The indicator also stayed above its long-term average of 0. Production expectations for the coming months strengthened further, rising to 27 from 25 in May. Spare capacity in the sector remained significant, although capacity utilization improved: 66% of respondents reported operating at full capacity in June, up from 63% in May, but still below the historical average of 70%.
Assessments of order books improved to -11 from -14, bringing them closer to normal levels, while views on finished goods inventories edged up 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,” said Jouko Kangasniemi, Economist at the Confederation of Finnish Industry.
