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Majority of Finns prefer to shift away from U.S. products, investment: survey
HELSINKI, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A recent survey conducted by Finnish financial services group LahiTapiola reveals that two out of three Finns now prefer to purchase products and services from Europe rather than the United States.
The shift is largely attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump's unpredictable trade policies.
According to the survey results released Tuesday, 66 percent of respondents said Trump's policies have made them more inclined to favor European goods and services. Only 16 percent disagreed, while 18 percent remained undecided.
The findings also show that 56 percent of Finns believe that avoiding investments in U.S. companies is a responsible value-based choice. Among those who currently hold investments, that figure rises slightly to 59 percent.
The accompanying press release cites growing concern over the negative impact of Trump's policies on Europe, particularly regarding economic stability and security, as the main driver behind this shift away from U.S. goods and investments.
Beyond economic and political concerns, many Finns expressed frustration with Trump's communication style. The survey indicated that his rhetoric and behavior have fostered an emotional resistance toward American products.
This sentiment appears to extend beyond Finland. The press release mentioned Tesla as a notable example, pointing out that its sales have been hit hard. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, registrations of new Tesla vehicles in EU countries dropped by more than 45 percent between January and May 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
Heikki Urpelainen, portfolio manager at LahiTapiola Asset Management, noted that escalating trade restrictions are making the United States a less attractive export market. In response, European companies are increasingly lowering prices and focusing on domestic sales.
While this trend may provide short-term advantages for some European firms, Urpelainen warned that the broader impact of Trump's tariffs is detrimental to European exporters overall.
The survey, conducted in April 2025, collected responses from 1,100 Finnish residents aged 18 and older.
