Poland Economic Outlook
Central Europe’s economic engine:
Poland, the largest economy in Central and Eastern Europe with a GDP of over USD 750 billion, has been one of the region’s most dynamic growth stories. The country has consistently outperformed the EU average in terms of economic expansion, benefiting from a large domestic market, a strong manufacturing base, and inflows of EU structural funds. However, growth slowed in 2023 due to high inflation, weak consumer demand, and tighter monetary policy. Despite these challenges, Poland remains an attractive destination for foreign investment.
Industrial strength and trade ties:Manufacturing and exports are key drivers of the Polish economy, with major industries including automotive production, machinery, and electronics. The country has also developed a thriving business services sector, attracting multinational companies to cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wroclaw. Poland’s trade is heavily integrated with the EU, particularly Germany, but it has also expanded economic ties with the U.S. and Asia. The country’s role as a key logistics hub has been further reinforced by the reconfiguration of supply chains in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Challenges:Despite its resilience, Poland’s economy faces several structural issues, including labor shortages, an aging population, and legal disputes with the EU that have delayed funding. Inflation peaked above 17% in 2022 before gradually easing, but high interest rates have dampened investment. Additionally, while Poland has welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees, integrating them into the labor force remains a challenge. Political uncertainty also affects investor sentiment, particularly regarding rule-of-law concerns and EU relations.
Poland’s economic outlook:Poland’s economy is expected to return to stronger growth in the coming years as inflation stabilizes and domestic consumption recovers. EU funds will continue to support infrastructure and green energy investments, while nearshoring trends should boost industrial output. However, maintaining competitiveness will require addressing demographic challenges and sustaining foreign investment. Poland’s long-term prospects remain strong, provided it continues its economic modernization and EU integration.
Poland's Macroeconomic Analysis:
Nominal GDP of USD 810 billion in 2023.
GDP per capita of USD 22,029 compared to the global average of USD 10,589.
Average real GDP growth of 3.6% over the last decade.
Sector Analysis
In 2022, services accounted for 59% of overall GDP, manufacturing 16%, other industrial activity 22%, and agriculture 3%. Looking at GDP by expenditure, private consumption accounted for 57% of GDP in 2023, government consumption 19%, fixed investment 18%, and net exports 6%.International trade
In 2021, manufactured products made up 77% of total merchandise exports, mineral fuels 3%, food 15%, ores and metals 3% and agricultural raw materials 1%, with other categories accounting for 1% of the total. In the same period, manufactured products made up 74% of total merchandise imports, mineral fuels 10%, food 10%, ores and metals 3% and agricultural raw materials 1%, with other goods accounting for 2% of the total. Total exports were worth USD 359 billion in 2024, while total imports were USD 366 billion.Main Economic Indicators
Economic growthThe economy recorded average annual growth of 3.6% in the decade to 2024. To read more about GDP growth in Poland, go to our dedicated page.
Fiscal policy
Poland's fiscal deficit averaged 3.0% of GDP in the decade to 2023. Find out more on our dedicated page.
Unemployment
The unemployment rate averaged 7.1% in the decade to 2024. For more information on Poland's unemployment click here.
Inflation
Inflation averaged 3.9% in the decade to 2024. Go to our Poland inflation page for extra insight.
Monetary Policy
Poland's monetary policy rate ended 2024 at 5.75%, up from 2.00% a decade earlier. See our Poland monetary policy page for additional details.
Exchange Rate
From end-2014 to end-2024 the zloty weakened by 12.2% vs the U.S. dollar. For more info on the zloty, click here.
Economic situation in Poland
The economy ended 2024 on a high note, expanding 3.2% in Q4 (Q3: +2.7% yoy). Quicker growth in both private spending and fixed investment drove the improvement, while public spending lost steam. In Q1 2025, GDP growth is likely remaining robust. Available data is mixed. In January, retail sales grew at a faster clip than in Q4 as sales of clothes, food, and household items rebounded. That said, industrial output collapsed in the same month, and economic sentiment averaged in negative territory once again in January–February. Higher inflation in January and elevated interest rates are likely also weighing on domestic demand. In politics, the presidential elections on 18 May recently turned into a three-horse race after a far-right candidate rose to the second spot in recent polls. A loss of the ruling party’s candidate could result in political deadlock on key judicial reforms.Poland Economic Forecasts
Projections out to 2034.59 indicators covered including both annual and quarterly frequencies.
Consensus Forecasts based on a panel of 45 expert analysts.
Want to get insight on the economic outlook for Poland in the coming years? FocusEconomics collects projections out to 2034 on 59 economic indicators for Poland from a panel of 45 analysts at the leading national, regional and global forecast institutions. These projections are then validated by our in-house team of economists and data analysts, and averaged to provide one Consensus Forecast you can rely on for each indicator. This means you avoid the risk of relying on out of date, biased or outlier forecasts. Our Consensus Forecasts can be visualized in whichever way best suits your needs, including via interactive online dashboards , direct data delivery and executive-style reports which combine analysts' projections with timely written analysis from our in-house team of economists on the latest developments in the Poland economy. To download a sample report on the Poland's economy, click here. To get in touch with our team for more information, fill in the form at the bottom of this page.