Water-based polymer paints and varnishes market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, production of water-based polymer paints and varnishes in Poland increased from 294 thousand tons to 326 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by the tightening of EU and national regulations on volatile organic compound (VOC) content, which forced manufacturers to innovate and ramp up output of more environmentally compliant products like water-borne paints. The overall market volume in physical terms remained stable at around 350–355 thousand tons during this period, as the rise in domestic production was offset by a decline in imports and an increase in exports.

The regulatory push for lower VOC emissions continued to shape the market beyond 2020, solidifying the shift toward water-borne and powder coatings. Water-borne paints gained significant ground in key sectors such as the automotive industry due to their low emission profile and enhanced functional properties like weather and UV resistance. Concurrently, imports fell from 131 thousand tons in 2018 to 104 thousand tons in 2024, while exports expanded from 70 thousand tons to 73 thousand tons over the same span, indicating a strengthening competitive position for Polish producers in line with the broader industry transition to eco-friendly technologies.

Production water-based polymer paints and varnishes in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Poland, the output of water-based polymer paints and varnishes was valued at 476.9 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 9.3% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 17.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 5.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 5.6%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 13.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Water-based polymer paints and varnishes production in Poland has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Poland produced 326.0 thousand tonnes, showing a modest year-on-year rise of 6.2%. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.9%. The minimum production level was recorded in 2018 at 294.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.7%.

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

Exports water-based polymer paints and varnishes from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

Water-based polymer paints and varnishes exports from Poland have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 82.6 thousand tonnes, up by 11.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 24.1%, with an annualized rate of 7.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind of water-based polymer paints and varnishes from Poland were relatively evenly distributed. Hungary accounted for 14.2% of exports in kind, Russia for 10.3%, and France for 8.9%, with these three countries together making up only 33.4% of total 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, M $ US

Exported water-based polymer paints and varnishes from Poland have increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Poland exported 142.7 million US dollars worth, reflecting an 8.9% year-on-year gain. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 30.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%.

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

The market base for exports in value terms was broad from 2017 to 2020. Russia accounted for 13.3% of exports in value terms, Czechia for 9.8%, and France for 9.2%, with these three countries jointly representing just 32.4% of total flows. The remaining 67.6% was shared among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports water-based polymer paints and varnishes to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

Poland's water-based polymer paints and varnishes import volume has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 107.7 thousand tonnes, reflecting a moderate fall of 6.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 14.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 131.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 39.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 12.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Germany, Denmark, and France—together accounted for 63.4% of total imports in kind of water-based polymer paints and varnishes to Poland.

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

After a two-year rise, cross-border shipments of water-based polymer paints and varnishes to Poland declined. In 2020, Poland imported a total of value_last_year million US dollars worth, which is 0.6% lower compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 32.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 307.7 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 31.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Italy formed the core of imports in value terms for water-based polymer paints and varnishes in Poland. Germany accounted for 45.6% of imports in value terms, France for 8.3%, and Italy for 8.1%, with these three countries together taking 62.1% of total flows.

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

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