Manual wheelchairs market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for manual wheelchairs in Poland demonstrated steady expansion from 2018 to 2023, with volume rising from 119 000 units to 182 000 units. In value terms, the market more than doubled from $12.9 million to $30.4 million. This growth was primarily driven by increasing imports, which climbed from 100 000 units to 167 000 units over the period, while domestic production gradually declined.

In 2024, the market volume fell to 156 000 units and its value dropped to $24.2 million. During this year, several regulatory changes were implemented, including new technical building regulations from August 1, 2024, requiring wheelchair-accessible spaces in multi-family buildings. Revisions to National Health Fund reimbursement codes and subsidy limits for wheelchairs took effect in January 2024, alongside a new support benefit for persons with disabilities and enhanced subsidy programs like Active Local Government 2024.

Production manual wheelchairs in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2019, Poland's manual wheelchair production reached its lowest value at 26 390 K $ US. The following year, in 2020, output increased modestly by 4.2% to 27 493 K $ US. The peak value was recorded earlier in 2018 at 27 980 K $ US, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 5.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Poland's manual wheelchair production has declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, output fell significantly by 15.3% to 83.6 K units compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 11.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The highest production level was in 2018 at 103.8 K units, which also saw the largest increase of 9.9%.

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

Exports manual wheelchairs from Poland

Exports in kind, K unit

Poland's manual wheelchair exports have declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, export volume dropped sharply by 28.0% to 53.5 K units compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 32.4%, representing an annualized decline of 12.2%. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 84.3 K units, which also experienced the largest increase of 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Poland in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Poland exported manual wheelchairs to numerous markets, with no single destination dominating. The top three markets—Germany, Belgium, and France—collectively accounted for just 43.2% of total export volume.

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 manual wheelchair exports have declined for two consecutive years in value terms. In 2020, export value fell significantly by 21.6% year-over-year to 19 062 K $ US. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 24.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.0%. The highest export value was in 2018 at 29 288 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 16.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland's manual wheelchair exports were distributed across multiple markets without a dominant player. The top three destinations—Ukraine (16.3% of export value), Germany (13.0%), and France (12.2%)—together accounted for only 41.5% of total export value, with many smaller partners holding modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports manual wheelchairs to Poland

Imports in kind, K unit

In 2020, Poland imported approximately 113.8 K units of manual wheelchairs, showing minimal change from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 50.4%, representing an annualized growth rate of 14.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 31.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Poland in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated Poland's manual wheelchair imports in volume, accounting for 72.9% of total flows, while other sources contributed relatively small shares.

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

After two years of growth, Poland's manual wheelchair imports declined in 2020. Import value fell moderately by 4.2% to 13 745 K $ US compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 41.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.2%. The peak import value was in 2019 at 14 343 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 46.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China (61.4% of import value), Germany (17.2%), and India (10.8%) were the main suppliers of manual wheelchairs to Poland, together comprising 89.4% of total import value.

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

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