Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are all service-based economies. In all three countries, the output of service industries makes up over 60% of gross domestic product. However, these industries primarily serve the local market. In contrast, manufacturing is largely export-oriented. Enterprises manufacturing goods—from dairy products to high-tech gadgets, from lightly processed raw materials to high-end carpentry—achieve greater profits and stimulate long-term economic growth. The list consists of eight entries, seven manufacturing and one service, that dominate the Baltic export market. Each entry includes some economic indicators, basic facts concerning the origins and current standing of the industry, and a few references to noteworthy enterprises and their products.

Estonia

Network Components. Estonia’s engineering and electronics sector is one of the biggest per capita in Europe. Around 250 tech companies employ almost 1% of Estonia’s population. Electrical and electronic equipment makes up around 15% of all Estonia’s exports and the most produced gadgets are networking components. Export-oriented branches of multinational corporations controlled from outside Estonia, such as: Ericsson, GVP, Inission, Stoneridge, Incap, and Scanfil produce network equipment used in fuel systems, construction, medical, transport electronics, as well as telecommunications. Most of these companies also develop their products in Estonia or work with local engineering partners. Locally owned businesses trading internationally, such as wind turbines producing Eleon, are an exception.

Prefabricated Wooden Houses. Wood and its products comprise around 10% of Estonia’s exports and carpentry articles are the most exported ones. For several years, Estonia has led among European exporters of prefabricated wooden houses. Companies like Hermet, Norget Hus, and Timbeco are leading the way but there are many others—almost two hundred woodhouse-producing companies are active in Estonia and they are exporting around 90% of their production. They offer materials for log cabin construction, but the same suppliers also produce components for multi-story apartment buildings, modular factories, and hotels. Some of their latest products are gaining popularity worldwide, e.g. factory-produced façades for renovations that integrate insulation, ventilation, and exterior elements.