Leather apparel market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The Polish leather apparel market expanded in 2018 and 2019, with its value rising from 16 815 thousand US dollars to 20 572 thousand US dollars. This growth was primarily driven by a shift in consumer preference towards durable, high-quality garments under the 'slow-fashion' trend, which increased demand for leather apparel. The rapid development of e-commerce and digital sales platforms during this period further broadened market access and distribution channels.

The market value declined to 19 087 thousand US dollars in 2020, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic which forced physical store closures and reduced wholesale orders. In the following years, the industry adapted through increased online sales and wholesale B2B platform activity. The regulatory landscape began shifting with the EU's strategy for sustainable textiles in 2022, setting new durability and recycling requirements, and the accelerated implementation of the EU guarantee directive (SGD 2019/771) in 2023, which altered warranty and service obligations for producers.

By 2023, the market value had decreased to 9 684 thousand US dollars. A significant factor was the accelerated growth of the second-hand clothing market, which reduced demand for new leather apparel. Concurrently, major players like LPP diversified their offerings with new product lines, and producers faced ongoing cost pressures from energy and transport inflation. The market continued to digitalize, with expanded online B2C offerings, while preparing for upcoming EU bans on destroying unsold clothing, driving investments in circular economy projects supported by EU funds.

Production leather apparel in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Poland's leather apparel production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 2 866 thousand US dollars, which is 31.4% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 39.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 841 thousand US dollars, marking a 22.6% increase that year.

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

Exports leather apparel from Poland

Exports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of leather apparel from Poland increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 737.8 tonnes, representing a 31.8% improvement compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 49%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 482.1 tonnes, which saw a 2.7% decline that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Pakistan, and Italy were the main destinations for leather apparel exports from Poland, accounting for 58.5% of total exports in kind. Germany led with 41.6%, followed by Pakistan at 11.9%, and Italy at 5.0%.

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

Leather apparel exports from Poland increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Poland exported 43 530 thousand US dollars worth of leather apparel, a significant 13.4% year-on-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 28.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 8.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Austria played leading roles in the value of leather apparel exports from Poland, jointly accounting for 69.6% of total flows. Germany dominated with 57.9%, followed by Italy at 7.6%, and Austria at 4.1%.

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

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

Imports leather apparel to Poland

Imports in kind, t

Poland's volume of leather apparel imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume registered 808.7 tonnes, a small gain of 2.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 61%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan, Germany, and India continued to be the main suppliers of leather apparel to Poland, jointly forming 70.8% of total imports in kind. Pakistan led with 34.4%, followed by Germany at 18.5%, and India at 17.9%.

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

Foreign leather apparel supplies to Poland increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Poland imported a total of 59 750 thousand US dollars of leather apparel, equivalent to a 9.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 58.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.6%.

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

In 2017 to 2020, Pakistan, India, and Germany were the largest suppliers of leather apparel to Poland in value terms, together forming 65.5% of total imports. Pakistan accounted for 23.1%, India for 21.5%, and Germany for 20.8%.

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

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