Finland might face worse recession because of Russian sanctions, expert warns

HELSINKI, August 18 (Itar-Tass) - Russian sanctions in retaliation to European Union's measures might plunge the Finnish economy into still worse recession, an economist said on Monday. "Russia’s countermeasures and slumping economy have impacted Finland in large measure, causing weaker exports, transit trade and tourism," Juha Vartia said in a press release by Finland's Central Union of Business Life. "The crisis might push the unstable economy further towards recession." Russia has been Finland's key trade partner since 2007, with Finnish food exports to Russia reaching 400 million euros last year. In early 2014, food imports continued to increase totaling 170 million euros in the first five months, reflecting at least a 5 percent increase year-on-year, the customs said. In January through May, meat exports to Russia were worth four million euros, a 33-percent increase year-on-year. Exports of Finnish dairy products jumped by 24 percent to 24 million euros and exports of cheese by 9 percent to 55 million euros. On August 7, Russia announced a total ban on supplies of beef, pork, vegetables, poulty, fish, cheese, milk and dairy products from the EU, Australia, Canada, Norway and the USA. The measure was a retaliation for the sanctions imposed by the West against Russia over events in Ukraine. Learn more on itar-tass.com