Knife blades and handles market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The Finnish market for base-metal knife blades and handles underwent a notable cycle from 2019 to 2024. A steady expansion lifted the market volume from 2 042 thousand US dollars in 2019 to a high of 2 636 thousand in 2021. This upward trajectory reversed over the next two years, with the market shrinking to 1 911 thousand by 2023, before a partial rebound to 2 099 thousand in 2024.

Market dynamics were shaped by several persistent factors. Permissive regulations concerning non-locking folding knives under a certain blade length continued to ensure consumer access in Finland. At the same time, rising participation in outdoor activities across Europe bolstered demand for utility knives suited for camping and hiking. The broader European knife industry also saw a growing emphasis on sustainable manufacturing and the use of recyclable materials in handles and packaging.

Production knife blades and handles in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Finland's output of knife blades and handles was valued at 1,480 thousand US dollars, marking a modest year-over-year decline of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Finland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports knife blades and handles from Finland

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. In 2019, knife blades and handles shipments from Finland reached their lowest point at 3.7 tonnes, while the highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 12.9 tonnes, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.5 times. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 71.5%. In 2020, exports amounted to 4.8 tonnes, reflecting a steep gain of 29.9% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Finland in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Estonia, Sweden, and the United States—collectively accounted for 74.9% of Finland's total exports of knife blades and handles in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Finland in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. In 2020, knife blades and handles deliveries from Finland reached their lowest value at 288 thousand US dollars, while the peak was recorded in 2018 at 688 thousand US dollars, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 2.4 times. The largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 93.5%. In 2020, exports constituted a dramatic decrease of 52.6% compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Finland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Estonia, the United States, and Russia—together represented 76.7% of Finland's total exports of knife blades and handles in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Finland in value, 2017-2020

Imports knife blades and handles to Finland

Imports in kind, t

The market demonstrated volatility throughout the observed period. In 2019, cross-border shipments of knife blades and handles to Finland hit their lowest point at 11.4 tonnes, while the highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 102.0 tonnes, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 8.9 times. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 88.8%. In 2020, imports amounted to 51.4 tonnes, showing a sharp increase of 348.9% compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Finland in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China (with 42.7% of imports in kind), France (15.7%), and Germany (13.7%) consistently served as the main sources for Finland's imports of knife blades and handles in kind, together accounting for 72.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Finland in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Finland's imports of knife blades and handles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 1,003 thousand US dollars, down by 7.1% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1,718 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 33.1% and the largest decline in 2019 at 37.2%. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 22.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Finland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017–2020, China (29.7% of imports in value terms), Germany (16.8%), and France (16.0%) formed the primary cluster of markets for Finland's imports of knife blades and handles in value terms, with a combined share of 62.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Finland in value, 2017-2020