Carbon dioxide market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, carbon dioxide production in Poland fluctuated, reaching a peak of 740.7 thousand tons in 2021. The surge in 2021 was driven by an intensified decarbonization push, with over half of surveyed companies announcing emission reduction plans, coupled with rising EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) allowance prices, which incentivized greater carbon capture. Earlier, in 2019, a stabilization of emissions in the energy sector and a decline in industrial emissions contributed to a slight dip in production.

After 2021, both production and market volume in physical terms began a downward trend, falling to 584.8 thousand tons by 2024. In contrast, the market's value rose sharply from $48.4 million in 2021 to $75.1 million in 2024. This divergence was primarily caused by a shortage of EU-ETS allowances in Poland, which pushed prices above €100 per ton in 2022. The introduction of new geological CO₂ storage regulations in January 2022 and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in October 2023 added further regulatory cost pressures, increasing the market value of carbon dioxide even as physical volumes contracted.

Production carbon dioxide in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Poland's carbon dioxide production has grown in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 40 162 thousand US dollars, marking a significant increase of 24.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 37.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Poland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Poland produced 680.9 thousand tonnes of carbon dioxide, showing a slight year-on-year increase of 1.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, production volume grew by 2.9%, which translates to an average annual rate of 1.0%. The highest production was recorded in 2018 at 693.3 thousand tonnes, following a notable increase of 4.8% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest decline, with production dropping by 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Poland in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports carbon dioxide from Poland

Exports in kind, t

Poland's carbon dioxide export volume has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 47 087 tonnes, representing a modest decrease of 9.2% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export volume fell by 13%, equating to an average annual decline of 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Poland in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine remained the primary destination for Poland's carbon dioxide exports in volume terms, accounting for 75.8% of the total. Other markets played a much smaller role during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Poland in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Poland's carbon dioxide export value has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 5 095 thousand US dollars, up by 16.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 40.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Poland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Ukraine, Czechia, and the Netherlands dominated Poland's carbon dioxide export structure in value terms. Ukraine accounted for 65.9% of exports, Czechia for 10.7%, and the Netherlands for 9.5%. Together, these three countries represented 86.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Poland in value, 2017-2020

Imports carbon dioxide to Poland

Imports in kind, t

Poland's carbon dioxide import volume has decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 5 558 tonnes, a sharp decline of 34.7% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, import volume dropped by 31.5%, with an average annual decrease of 11.9%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 11 418 tonnes, following a substantial increase of 40.7% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Poland in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Hungary, Czechia, and Austria—collectively absorbed 84.0% of Poland's total carbon dioxide imports in volume terms.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Poland in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Poland's carbon dioxide import value was 3 660 thousand US dollars, down by 18.4% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 487 thousand US dollars, following a dramatic increase of 136.1% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Poland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Czechia, Germany, and the Netherlands were the main sources for Poland's carbon dioxide imports in value terms. Czechia accounted for 38.5% of imports, Germany for 20.3%, and the Netherlands for 7.0%. Combined, these three countries made up 65.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Poland in value, 2017-2020