HELSINKI (AFP) - Finland's estimated trade surplus for 2010 fell 37 percent from the previous year to 880 million euros (1.2 billion dollars), according to official statistics released Wednesday.

The trade surplus for 2009 was 1.4 billion euros.

Preliminary data shows exports increased by 16 percent to 52.3 billion euros, but growth was faster in imports, increasing 18 percent to 51.5 billion euros.

"Exports for the full year rose mostly thanks to the metals and chemical industries. Exports of forest products also grew markedly," Finnish Customs said in a statement.

Imports were boosted by higher prices for metals, enriched ores, and crude oil.

Sweden retained its position during the year as Finland's number-one export destination, followed by Germany and Russia.

Finland imported more goods from Russia than any other country, due in large part to the high demand for imported energy.

For the month of December, the Nordic country posted a trade surplus of 35 million euros, compared to a deficit of 170 million for the same month in 2009.