It is estimated that half of the mobile phones and two-thirds of the laptops come to Finland specifically from China.
Finland is dependent on China, and now was the right moment to look at the situation again and make a new dependency analysis, it was stated today in Radio Suomen Päivä. The expert was the undersecretary of state responsible for international trade Nina Vaskunlahti from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The purpose is to increase understanding and discussion about China and its powers.
– China is still an important trade partner for Finland. About five percent of Finland’s trade goes to China, exports amount to about four billion euros. We depend on China for critical raw materials and components, says Vaskunlahti.
For example, half of the phones come from China, and probably two-thirds of the laptops, continues the Undersecretary of State.
Vaskunlahti emphasizes openness and the free trade network, which for Finland means activities through the EU with numerous countries of the world, thus securing the supply of raw materials.
– At the same time, you shouldn’t be naive. If necessary, import protection instruments can also be built.
Substitute raw materials are being sought
You also need to find out if there are substitute raw materials.
– Finland has also thought about how to increase the production of components.
Vaskunlahti also reminds us of the green transition: we are all committed to reducing emissions.
He also emphasizes that we have seen where energy dependence leads after Russia invaded Ukraine.
– The green transition is a way for us to survive and build this world for future generations as well.
Of the 30 critical raw materials determined by the EU Commission, 19 are largely found only in China.
According to Vaskunlahti, work is now underway to increase semiconductor production in Europe, for example, and for example, battery recycling technology will become more efficient.
14 critical minerals can be found in Finland, reminds Vaskunlahti. He also says that dependencies will be reduced as much as possible and self-sufficiency will be increased.
– However, we must remain open to global trade and cooperation. We must remember that not all addictions are harmful.