Propylene market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Polish propylene market showed notable volatility in both volume and value. Market volume peaked at 575.5 thousand tons in 2019, supported by a surge in domestic production to 441.9 thousand tons. The following year saw a contraction to 541.7 thousand tons, while 2021 brought stabilization at 537.8 thousand tons alongside a sharp increase in imports to 238.0 thousand tons. In value terms, the market dropped from $542.6 million in 2018 to $397.8 million in 2020, before rebounding strongly to $648.1 million in 2021.

Market volume continued to decline after 2021, falling to 520.8 thousand tons in 2022 and further to 472.7 thousand tons in 2024. In parallel, the market value, which had risen to $703.6 million in 2022, contracted to $485.3 million by 2024. This downturn coincided with a period of falling propylene prices across Europe, driven by lower crude oil prices and eased supply chain pressures. Weak demand from key consuming sectors such as polypropylene and polyester also weighed on the market. During this time, the industry saw a shift towards sustainable feedstocks, exemplified by Shell Chemicals beginning supplies of bio-circular propylene to Braskem in early 2024.

Production propylene in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, propylene production in Poland declined. In 2020, output was valued at 321.4 million US dollars, marking an 18.9% year-over-year decrease. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 10%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 396.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 21.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Poland produced 427.8 thousand tonnes of propylene, a 3.2% drop compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 25.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 311.6 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 8.5%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 441.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 41.8%.

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

Exports propylene from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

Propylene exports from Poland increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Poland exported 23.9 thousand tonnes, a 30.3% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 72 417 509.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 8 880.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, propylene exports from Poland were primarily directed towards Germany and Czechia, which together accounted for 90.8% of total flows, with other destinations playing a minor role.

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

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export value occurred in 2017, while the highest was in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 212 626 times. In 2020, Poland's propylene export volume totaled 15.4 million US dollars, representing a significant 15.6% decrease compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 18.3 million US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 1 152 298.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and Czechia were the dominant destinations for propylene exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 92.0% of total flows, with other markets making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports propylene to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

Propylene imports into Poland declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Poland imported 137.8 thousand tonnes, a modest 9.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 23.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 203.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 13.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 25.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Russia, and Germany were the main sources for propylene imports in kind, accounting for 36.3%, 23.6%, and 17.0% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 76.9% of total 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

Propylene imports into Poland declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 91.8 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp 34.9% year-over-year decrease. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 38%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 218.0 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 47.2%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 35.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Russia, and Germany continued to lead as the main suppliers of propylene to Poland in value terms, accounting for 35.4%, 21.9%, and 18.9% of imports, respectively. Together, they made up 76.2% 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