PP in primary forms market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The polypropylene market in Poland expanded from 596.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 821.9 thousand tons in 2021, with market value peaking at $1.46 billion that year. This growth was underpinned by stable demand for PP as a key construction and packaging material, along with increasing imports of raw materials for processing. The COVID‑19 pandemic in 2021 affected production chains across the EU, but interest in polypropylene remained strong.

After 2021, market volume contracted, reaching 656.9 thousand tons in 2024. Domestic PP production fell by almost 18% in 2023 due to low demand and prices. Concurrently, rising e‑commerce sales boosted demand for plastic packaging, including PP. In 2024, the launch of Grupy Azoty’s new plant in Police with a capacity of up to 440 thousand tons per year enhanced national production capabilities, while the market continued to face pressure from environmental regulations and competition from alternative materials.

Production PP in primary forms in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Poland's production of polypropylene in primary forms saw a decline in value after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 436.1 million US dollars, but by 2020 it had fallen to 379.9 million US dollars, marking a significant year-on-year decrease of 12.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 19.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Poland produced 269.6 thousand tonnes of polypropylene in primary forms, representing a moderate decline of 4.9% compared to the previous year.

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

Exports PP in primary forms from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

Poland's exports of polypropylene in primary forms grew for the second year in a row. In 2018, export volume hit its lowest point at 120.1 thousand tonnes, reflecting a decline of 12.4%. However, by 2019, exports surged by 40.1%, and in 2020 they reached 179.9 thousand tonnes, showing a further increase of 6.9% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 31.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 9.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the leading buyers of polypropylene in primary forms from Poland were Czechia, accounting for 27.5% of exports in volume, Germany with 23.2%, and Slovakia at 9.5%. Together, these three countries made up 60.3% of Poland's total exports in this category.

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

In 2018, the value of Poland's exports of polypropylene in primary forms was at its lowest, totaling 170.4 million US dollars. By 2019, exports peaked at 215.7 million US dollars, with a notable increase of 26.6%. In 2020, export value decreased to 203.4 million US dollars, indicating a contraction of 5.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 17.6%, equating to an average annual rate of 5.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia remained the top buyer of polypropylene in primary forms from Poland in value terms, representing 28.2% of exports. Germany followed with 22.5%, and Slovakia accounted for 10.2%. Collectively, these three markets formed 60.8% of Poland's total export value in this sector.

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

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

Imports PP in primary forms to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

Poland's imports of polypropylene in primary forms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 569.5 thousand tonnes, up by 15.5% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 42.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 12.4%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Poland sourced polypropylene in primary forms from a wide range of countries. Even the largest suppliers—Germany, Russia, and Czechia—together represented only 42.1% of total imports in volume, highlighting the diversity of Poland's import sources.

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

Poland's imports of polypropylene in primary forms grew in value for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 694.4 million US dollars, showing little change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, import value increased by 27.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.6%.

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

The structure of Poland's imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a diversified set of trading partners. Germany was the largest source, accounting for 27.6% of imports, followed by South Korea at 7.5% and Belgium at 7.3%. Together, these three countries made up only 42.4% of total import value, while the remaining 57.6% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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