Google is set to invest at least €13 billion in data centres and digital infrastructure in Finland over the next two years, marking the company’s largest single investment in Europe as it expands its capacity for artificial intelligence and other digital services.

The investment will support data centres and related infrastructure in the Finnish municipalities of Hamina, Kajaani, Muhos and Vaala. Google also plans to fund clean energy projects as well as initiatives focused on biodiversity, education, research and workforce development.

The company said the decision reflects Finland’s strong position in developing energy-efficient infrastructure for artificial intelligence. The new facilities will support a range of Google services, including its Gemini chatbot.

Construction is expected to take place during 2027 and 2028. Google estimates the investment could contribute around €3.6 billion annually to Finland’s gross domestic product and support more than 37,000 jobs. About 16,000 of those positions are expected to be linked directly to construction work.

Once construction is completed, Google expects its facilities and related economic activity to support around 7,000 jobs each year. These positions are expected to include technical and facility roles, equipment suppliers and workers in nearby shops, restaurants and other services.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo welcomed the announcement, saying the investment demonstrated the country’s strengths and could generate benefits beyond the immediate spending.

“The value of the data economy extends far beyond direct investment into spurring innovation, research and development,” Orpo said. He added that closer cooperation with Google could produce long-term benefits for both sides.

Why Finland is attracting data centres

Finland’s climate and energy supply are major factors behind its appeal to technology companies. Data centres consume large amounts of electricity and produce substantial heat, making cooling a major operational cost.

The country’s cold climate can help reduce cooling requirements, while its energy system includes nuclear power, wind and hydropower. The combination of relatively stable electricity supplies and favourable conditions for cooling has encouraged a growing number of data centre projects across Finland.

Google has maintained a presence in the country since 2009, when it acquired a former paper mill in the coastal city of Hamina and converted the site into a data centre. The company has expanded the facility over the years.

The latest investment comes as Finland faces weak economic growth and record unemployment. For Orpo’s government, attracting major technology investments has become an important economic priority.

With the country’s data economy offering prospects for investment, employment and research, Google’s announcement is expected to strengthen Finland’s position as a major European hub for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

China’s exports surged 25% in August from a year earlier, supported by strong overseas demand for automobiles, semiconductors and other high-tech products, according to the country’s customs agency.

The latest figures showed exports accelerating from the 23.9% annual increase recorded in July. Imports also grew strongly, rising 28.2% in August compared with a year earlier, up from 27.5% growth in July.

The stronger import figures reduced the gap between export and import growth but still left China with a trade surplus of $119.1 billion in August. That was an increase from the $112.5 billion surplus recorded in July.

The figures were released ahead of an expected meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month. Beijing has not yet confirmed the exact date of Xi’s visit, but trade is expected to be among the main issues discussed by the two leaders.

China’s strong export performance has been supported by growing shipments of electric vehicles, industrial machinery and advanced technology products.

“China is very competitive in its tech goods exports,” said Chi Lo, senior market strategist for Asia Pacific at BNP Paribas Asset Management.

He said China had moved higher up the value chain in recent years and had become an important supplier of artificial intelligence infrastructure and industrial automation equipment.

Chinese exporters have also benefited from stronger trade with markets outside the United States. Rising shipments to Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa have helped offset some of the pressure created by higher US tariffs.

The strength of China’s trade surplus has raised concerns in both the US and Europe. China’s annual trade surplus reached a record $1.2 trillion last year, prompting calls for greater access to the Chinese market and more balanced trade.

Lo said the strategic tensions between Beijing and Washington were likely to continue, particularly over sensitive goods. The US has restricted China’s access to some advanced technology, while Beijing has tightened controls on exports of certain rare-earth materials.

China and the European Union are also preparing for ministerial-level trade discussions later this year. The EU is seeking to reduce its trade deficit with China, which has reached roughly €1 billion a day.

European authorities have already introduced measures to protect domestic industries, including new restrictions affecting Chinese steel and tax treatment for small e-commerce parcels.

Despite the strong export figures, China’s domestic economy remains under pressure. Consumer spending and investment have been sluggish following years of weakness in the property sector.

Beijing announced on Sunday that it would inject around $54 billion into state banks and insurers as part of efforts to support economic growth.

The combination of strong overseas demand and weaker domestic activity is likely to keep China’s trade performance at the centre of economic and diplomatic discussions in the months ahead.