Tampere event highlights evolving opportunities in U.S. market
Credit: Petri Kangas, Business Tampere Oy
TAMPERE, Finland – Finnish companies were given an updated outlook on the U.S. market during the Transatlantic Opportunity 2026 event, highlighting a business environment that remains attractive but increasingly complex. The event, co-organised by Amcham Finland and Business Tampere and held at Tampere Hall, marked the first time Amcham Finland brought its flagship transatlantic trade forum outside Helsinki.
U.S. remains key export market
According to Amcham Finland CEO Alexandra Pasternak-Jackson, the United States continues to offer significant opportunities for Finnish companies despite a more challenging operating environment.
Alexandra Pasternak-Jackson
“Although the operating environment is not optimal at the moment, there are still strong opportunities for cooperation with the United States,” Pasternak-Jackson said.
The message aligns with Amcham’s latest Finland–U.S. Economic Deep Dive 2026, which confirms the U.S. as Finland’s largest export market in 2025.
Security and technology shape cooperation
The event brought together senior government representatives and industry leaders, including U.S. Ambassador to Finland Howard Brodie and Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.
Howard Brodie
Speakers highlighted that transatlantic cooperation is increasingly centred around security, technology and industrial collaboration. Key sectors include defence, energy, digital infrastructure and maritime industries.
Companies with a strong presence in Tampere — such as Coherent, Fastems, Microsoft and Nalamoves — were among those represented, underlining the region’s role as a hub for export-oriented industries.
Policy update adds nuance to market outlook
The evolving transatlantic landscape was further underlined by Finland’s updated foreign and security policy review, published the day after the event.
The update describes a shift in the operating environment, while reaffirming the importance of the United States as a strategic partner.
“Finland’s cooperation with the United States is closer than ever,” the report notes, while also signalling increased uncertainty in the global context.
Implications for connectivity and business mobility
For regions such as Tampere, where export-driven industries and international partnerships are central to economic growth, the evolving U.S. relationship reinforces the importance of reliable international connectivity.
As transatlantic cooperation becomes more strategic and sector-focused, demand for efficient business travel, logistics and cargo connections is expected to remain a key enabler for companies operating between Europe and North America.
More information:
Pertti Aimonen, COO
pertti.aimonen@businesstampere.com
+358 (0) 40 7749 259