Discusses the distribution network within the country from how products enter to final destination, including reliability and condition of distribution mechanisms, major distribution centers, ports, etc.

Diverse distribution channels available in Finland allow for a variety of market strategies. Consumer goods and similar merchandise can be sold directly to retail chains, department stores, and other retail outlets, but are more often imported through wholesalers and distributors. Goods requiring specialty installation, engineering, and maintenance/after sales service are often sold through engineering service firms, consultancies and other professional service providers. Due to the small size of the Finnish market, and the interconnectedness of Finland with other Nordic markets, it is common to appoint one or more agents or distributors to cover the entire Finnish, or even Nordic, market. Agents/distributors in Finland and the Nordics often represent several foreign firms, and it can be difficult to find an agent/representative that is qualified and experienced in a given market segment that does not already represent competing products. For more details on identifying and establishing relationships with prospective agents/distributors, see the “Using an Agent to Sell US Products and Services” chapter of this report.

There are many major distribution centers located around Finland. The largest commercial airport in Finland is Helsinki Airport in Vantaa. The largest commercial sea ports in Finland are HaminaKotka, Helsinki, and Naantali. There are no major ports of entry for road or rail. Inside Finland, most cargo is transported througout the country by truck, with the major distribution hubs in Helsinki, Tampere, and Joensuu.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.