Last year exports from Finland increased by 16%, although they still have not recovered to the level reached before the recession. The value of exports from Finland was EUR 52.4 billion, and was boosted especially by demand for products in the base metal and chemical industries. The timber industry also increased its exports significantly. The value of imports into Finland has been increased particularly by oil and oil products becoming more costly. The increase in exports has been faster than the EU average since August – the export figures in December showed an increase of 29 per cent compared with the previous year.