Wheat and meslin flour market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat and meslin flour market in Poland saw production growth in 2018 driven by increasing demand for cereal products, even despite a lower grain harvest. While overall production volume continued to expand in 2019, market data indicated a shift in structure with growth in rye flour output and some reported decrease in wheat flour production. In 2020, the physical market volume contracted, yet flour prices rose significantly, reflecting shifts in supply and demand balance.

Rising flour prices persisted through 2021, supporting an increase in market value. The year 2022 was marked by protective trade policies, as Poland raised import tariffs and established quotas for wheat and flour, which supported domestic production. High global grain supplies from Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan concurrently influenced export flows and price levels.

In 2023, flour production remained resilient due to the high baking quality of Polish wheat, which enhanced the potential for premium flour, and a general increase in cereal product output despite lower grain harvests. By 2024, new legislative changes in the food sector, the continuation of import quotas and tariffs, and persistently high flour prices were shaping the market environment.

Production wheat and meslin flour in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Poland's wheat and meslin flour production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 651.2 million US dollars, representing a 4.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 695.3 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 12.7% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following a two-year increase, Poland's wheat and meslin flour production volume declined. In 2020, production amounted to 2 292 thousand tonnes, marking a 4.8% reduction from the previous year. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 408 thousand tonnes. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, with a growth of 2.7%.

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

Exports wheat and meslin flour from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Poland's wheat and meslin flour export volume reached 120.1 thousand tonnes, showing a significant increase of 26.1% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 12.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 95.2 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 11.6% that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Lithuania, and the United Kingdom were the core markets for Poland's wheat and meslin flour exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 31.5% of exports, Lithuania for 23.6%, and the United Kingdom for 16.5%. Together, these three countries represented 71.6% 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, Poland's wheat and meslin flour export value reached 42 698 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 23.9% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 40.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 10.8%, while the highest increase was recorded in 2018 at 27.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Lithuania, and the United Kingdom were the main buyers of Poland's wheat and meslin flour in value terms. Germany represented 26.7% of exports, Lithuania 21.5%, and the United Kingdom 18.6%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 66.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports wheat and meslin flour to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year rise, Poland's wheat and meslin flour import volume declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 70.0 thousand tonnes, showing an 11.0% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 23.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 7.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 78.6 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 31.8% occurring in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom formed the core of Poland's wheat and meslin flour imports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 64.8% of imports, Italy for 10.2%, and the United Kingdom for 6.0%. Together, these three countries represented 81.0% 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

Following a two-year advance, Poland's wheat and meslin flour import value declined. In 2020, imports came to 35 952 thousand US dollars, indicating a moderate reduction of 5.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 60.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 17.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 38 093 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 49.5% occurring in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom were the largest suppliers of wheat and meslin flour to Poland in value terms. Germany accounted for 62.7% of imports, Italy for 13.0%, and the United Kingdom for 6.4%. Collectively, these three countries formed 82.1% 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