Potato market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The Polish fresh potato market volume showed significant swings from 2018 to 2020. Growing consumer interest in healthy foods, clean labels, and ready meals supported demand in 2018. However, in 2019, a potato shortage across the processing market in Europe led to higher contract prices and constrained supply, contracting the market by over 9% to 6 727 thousand tons. The market rebounded sharply in 2020, growing by 19.5% to 8 038 thousand tons.

After the 2020 peak, the market entered a sustained downward trend. Volume fell by 11.5% in 2021 to 7 112 thousand tons and by another 13.1% in 2022 to 6 177 thousand tons. In 2023, a significant price increase for potatoes—nearly 17% in April alone—dampened consumer purchases, contributing to a further 7.6% decline that brought the market to 5 710 thousand tons.

Production potato in Poland

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Poland was one of the world's top potato producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking 9th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of decline, potato production in Poland rebounded in 2020. That year, the country produced 7 860 K t of potatoes, marking a 21.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production decreased by 14.3%, translating to an average annual decline of 5.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 6 482 K t, while the sharpest year-on-year drop occurred in 2018 with a 20.3% decrease.

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

Exports potato from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Poland's potato exports reached 29.7 K t, representing a modest 2.6% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 4.8%, averaging an annual decrease of 1.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 28.9 K t, while the highest was in 2018 at 36.4 K t. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 20.7% drop, whereas the largest increase was in 2018 with a 16.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine formed the core market cluster for Poland's potato exports in volume terms. Romania accounted for 24.2% of exports, Moldova for 18.5%, and Ukraine for 11.5%. Together, these three countries represented 54.2% of Poland's total potato export flows 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, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Poland's potato export value declined in 2020. Exports totaled 8.5 million US dollars that year, reflecting a substantial 36.3% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, export value increased by 17.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 5.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 13.3 million US dollars, with the most significant increase occurring in 2018 at 44.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, Poland's potato exports in value terms were distributed across numerous markets. Even the top three destinations—Romania, the United Kingdom, and Germany—collectively accounted for only 45.5% of total export value, indicating a relatively diversified market structure.

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

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

Imports potato to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes showed irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. From the low point in 2017 to the peak in 2019, imports increased by a factor of 2.6. In 2020, Poland's potato imports stood at 208.3 K t, representing a significant 24.1% decline compared to 2019. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 274.4 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase also occurring that year at 86.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom—collectively supplied 56.4% of Poland's total potato 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, M $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. From the trough in 2017 to the peak in 2019, import values increased by a factor of 3.2. In 2020, Poland's potato imports totaled 64.0 million US dollars, marking a 39.4% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 105.5 million US dollars, with the most substantial increase also occurring that year at 117.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain were the primary sources for Poland's potato imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 22.5% of imports, the Netherlands for 16.5%, and Spain for 12.1%. Together, these three countries represented 51.1% of Poland's total potato import value, solidifying their position as the main suppliers.

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

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