Rye market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

Rye production in Poland rose from 2.1 million tons in 2018 to a peak of 2.9 million tons in 2020, then eased to around 2.5 million tons by 2023. The domestic market volume, however, fluctuated significantly due to export patterns, falling to 1.5 million tons in 2021 before recovering to 1.9 million tons in 2022 and 2023.

A shift in agricultural preferences led to a reduction in rye planted area of about 7.8% in 2020. In 2023, unfavorable weather lowered overall cereal yields, but rye demonstrated relative resilience with an average yield of about 4.8 t/ha, supporting production. Concurrently, low purchase prices near 600 zł per ton influenced farmers' decisions on when to sell their grain.

Rye maintains its position in Polish agriculture due to low soil and climate requirements, even as hybrid triticale gains ground. The established average purchase price over an 11-quarter period serves as the basis for calculating the agricultural tax, highlighting the crop's institutional embeddedness.

Production rye in Poland

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Poland was one of the world's top rye producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking second globally by production volume.

Top producers of rye, 2017-2020

World map of production of rye, 2017-2020

Poland's rye production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2 930 thousand tonnes of rye, marking a 21.3% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 9.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.1%. The lowest production was recorded in 2018 at 2 127 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 20.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Poland's rye production value also increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 514.9 million US dollars, up 10.7% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, the value grew by 14.1%, with an average annual increase of 4.5%. The lowest value occurred in 2018 at 442.5 million US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 1.9%.

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

Exports rye from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 3.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Poland exported 1 293 thousand tonnes of rye, a sharp increase of 171.4% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 1.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the dominant partner for Poland's rye exports in volume terms, accounting for 81.0% of total flows, while other markets played a smaller 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 over these years. Export values bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 3.9-fold difference. In 2020, the value of rye exports from Poland was 227.3 million US dollars, up 147.8% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 8.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany accounted for the majority of Poland's rye export value, with an 80.5% share of total flows, while other markets made up a fragmented 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 rye to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. Imports hit their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with an 8.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Poland imported 7 thousand tonnes of rye, a steep decline of 44.1% compared to 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 54 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 78.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 222.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Germany, and Lithuania were the main sources for Poland's rye imports in volume terms, with shares of 64.6%, 14.0%, and 10.1%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 88.7% 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

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Import values bottomed in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.2-fold difference. In 2020, the value of rye imports into Poland was 3.6 million US dollars, down 27.8% from 2019. The highest value was in 2018 at 11.5 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019 at 57.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 146.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, Ukraine, and Lithuania formed the core group for Poland's rye import value, with shares of 45.4%, 34.5%, and 5.1%, respectively. Combined, they represented 85.0% 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