Poland Overview

Contents extracted from the comprehensive atlas of international trade by Export Entreprises

Agriculture- Economic Indicators - Market Access - Travel Information - Useful Links

Capital City: Warsaw

Poland became a member of the European Union on the 1st of May 2004. The country has been implementing important reforms for several years which made Polish market access conditions come closer to European standards. Poland is a major market: it accounts for half the economic and demographic weight of the 10 new EU members as a whole. The economic growth grew weaker in 2005 owing to the deceleration of the domestic expenditures and the exportations : the GDP growth rate was 5.3% in 2004 but only 3% in 2006. The IFM forecasts a 4% growth in 2006. Foreign investments are huge, especially in subcontracting activities.

Agriculture employs more than 25% of the active population and contributes to only 3.1% to the GDP. The manufacturing industry is the driving force of the economy and services account for 66% of the GDP. The polish market offers significant trade opportunities, especially concerning capital goods, telecommunications, environment, transport, building and IT sectors.

Two thirds of Poland's foreign trade is achieved with the European Union. Its top three export partners are Germany, France and Italy.
Poland's top three import partners are Germany, Italy and Russia. Poland mainly imports machinery and capital goods, manufactured goods and chemicals.