Prepared explosives market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Polish prepared explosives market contracted in volume from 48 822 t to 43 250 t. In 2019, the introduction of a new classification system for explosives, weapons, and ammunition reshaped market regulations, which likely contributed to the adjustment in market activity.

A sustained recovery began in 2021, with market volume growing steadily to reach 59 067 t by 2023. In value terms, the market expanded from $86.9 million in 2020 to $122.9 million in 2023, supported by rising domestic production and export activity.

In 2024, market volume eased slightly to 57 412 t while production remained near record levels. This period saw significant industrial developments, including a letter of intent to boost production capacities for penthrite and hexogen at a Nitroerg plant in Silesia, alongside European-wide shortages of key ammunition components, reflecting heightened defense-sector demand and strategic efforts to scale up domestic supply chains.

Production prepared explosives in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Poland's prepared explosives production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 104.2 million US dollars, marking a modest decline of 4.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 6.4%, with an average annual decline of 2.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 117.0 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 5.1% that year. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 6.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After a two-year decrease, prepared explosives production in Poland increased slightly. In 2020, Poland produced 58 603 tonnes, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 17.7%, equating to an average annual decline of 6.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 58 518 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 12.6%.

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

Exports prepared explosives from Poland

Exports in kind, t

Prepared explosives exports from Poland increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 15 616 tonnes, indicating a significant gain of 12.1% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 26.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Sweden, and Greece were the leading destinations for Poland's prepared explosives exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 33.1% of exports, Sweden for 17.8%, and Greece for 8.7%, with these three countries together representing 59.6% 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, K $ US

In 2020, prepared explosives exports from Poland amounted to 28.765 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial increase of 22.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 30.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 10.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner portfolio for Poland's prepared explosives exports in value terms was quite broad. Germany accounted for 19.6% of exports, Sweden for 19.4%, and Norway for 8.4%, with these three countries together representing 47.3% 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 prepared explosives to Poland

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, prepared explosives imports to Poland declined. In 2020, import volume stood at 263 tonnes, constituting a sharp decline of 45.6% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 3.7%, with an average annual decline of 1.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 483 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 35.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Estonia, Czechia, and Sweden were the principal suppliers of prepared explosives to Poland in volume terms. Estonia accounted for 40.8% of imports, Czechia for 22.3%, and Sweden for 16.1%, with these three countries jointly accounting for 79.3% 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, K $ US

After a two-year uptick, prepared explosives imports to Poland declined. In 2020, import volume totalled 11.463 million US dollars, amounting to a robust drop of 21.0% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 13%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 4.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 14.514 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 21.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia, Sweden, and Germany were the main sources for Poland's prepared explosives imports in value terms. Czechia accounted for 64.3% of imports, Sweden for 10.4%, and Germany for 7.9%, with these three countries together accounting for 82.7% 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