Portland cement market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Portland cement market in Poland expanded from 17.1 million tons to 18.4 million tons. This growth was primarily fueled by sustained investments in infrastructure and housing projects, which boosted demand. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the construction sector remained resilient due to state-led infrastructure programs. In 2021, further market consolidation was observed with Holcim Polska's acquisition of Izolbet, strengthening the position of major players.

After peaking in 2021, market volume contracted to 17.6 million tons in 2022 and 15.6 million tons in 2023. During this period, Lafarge Polska began phasing out ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as part of its decarbonization goals, potentially affecting supply. Simultaneously, new segments of eco-friendly and low-emission cements emerged, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable building materials. Despite the decline, government investments in railway and housing infrastructure continued, including large-scale programs worth over PLN 198 billion.

In 2024, the market recovered to 17.3 million tons, supported by growing investments in premium segments such as white Portland cement for architectural applications. Sustainability trends remained key, with rising requirements for environmental certifications like LEED and BREEAM influencing companies' product strategies.

Production portland cement in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Portland cement production in Poland has been growing for three consecutive years. In 2020, output reached 1 274 million US dollars, showing a moderate increase of 6.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 39.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Poland produced 16 501 thousand tonnes of portland cement, showing minimal change from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 9.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 0.4%, while the highest increase was recorded in 2018 at 9.2%.

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

Exports portland cement from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, portland cement exports from Poland rebounded. In 2020, export volume stood at 334 thousand tonnes, up 11.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 20.8%, with an average annual decline of 7.5%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 300 thousand tonnes, and the largest drop occurred in 2018 at 18.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia, Germany, and Lithuania were the top destinations for Poland's portland cement exports in volume terms. Czechia accounted for 40.6% of exports, Germany for 24.2%, and Lithuania for 11.7%, together making up 76.5% of total export flows.

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, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of portland cement from Poland have increased for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports amounted to 69.0 million US dollars, marking a modest rise of 8.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 166%, with an average annual growth rate of 38.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Czechia, and Italy led Poland's portland cement exports in value terms. Germany accounted for 28.5% of exports, Czechia for 20.8%, and Italy for 9.2%, together representing 58.5% 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 portland cement to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

Portland cement imports into Poland have grown for three consecutive years. In 2020, imports reached 1 614 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sharp increase of 33.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 92.2%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 24.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belarus, and Lithuania were the primary suppliers of portland cement to Poland in volume terms. Germany accounted for 30.6% of imports, Belarus for 21.4%, and Lithuania for 18.8%, jointly making up 70.9% of total import flows.

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, M $ US

Portland cement imports into Poland have increased for three consecutive years. In 2020, Poland imported 110.4 million US dollars worth of portland cement, equivalent to a significant rise of 31.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 109.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 27.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Denmark, and Belarus were the main sources of portland cement imports into Poland in value terms. Germany accounted for 26.8% of imports, Denmark for 22.2%, and Belarus for 16.7%, together representing 65.7% 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