Polish food exports are growing. €29 billion in the first half of 2026
17.08.2026
Poland is strengthening its position in international food markets. In the first half of 2026, the value of Polish agri-food exports reached €29 billion, an increase of almost 2% compared to the same period last year. At the same time, the positive foreign trade balance increased by over 7%, reaching €9.6 billion.
In the first six months of 2026, the value of Polish agri-food exports reached €29 billion, or approximately PLN 123 billion. This represents an increase of nearly 2% compared to the first half of 2025. Even more significant growth was recorded in the positive foreign trade balance, which increased by over 7% to reach €9.6 billion (PLN 41 billion).
Poland remains a significant food exporter in international markets. The export structure is dominated by meat and meat products, cereal grains and cereal products, tobacco and tobacco products, sugar and confectionery, dairy products, fish products, as well as vegetables, fruit, and their products.
Growing role of processed products
The growing importance of processed products in Polish food exports is noteworthy. In the first half of 2026, the value of exports of highly processed and semi-processed agri-food products increased by 2.3% year-on-year, reaching €20 billion. Meanwhile, the value of exports of unprocessed and minimally processed products reached €9 billion.
EU remains the market #1
The European Union countries remain the most important sales destination. In the first half of 2026, agri-food products worth €21.5 billion (PLN 91 billion) were sold to the EU market, representing 74% of total exports.
Germany remains the largest recipient of Polish food, receiving €7 billion worth of products, representing 24% of all agri-food exports. Next in line are France (€2.1 billion, 7% share), the Netherlands (€1.6 billion, 6%), Italy (€1.5 billion, 5%), and the Czech Republic (€1.4 billion, 5%).
Polish products are also gaining ground outside the EU
Non-EU markets are also playing an increasingly important role. In the first half of 2026, the value of agri-food exports to non-EU countries increased by 6%, driven by higher exports of food products to certain African and Asian countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, the Philippines, Turkey, and Morocco. The total value of exports to non-EU markets reached €7.5 billion (PLN 32 billion), and their share in the geographical structure of Polish agri-food exports reached 26%.
The increase in Polish food sales abroad was the result of several factors. Poland's maintaining a strong position in international supply chains, more dynamic export growth to non-EU markets, higher food transaction prices in international trade, and a more favorable euro-zloty exchange rate for exporters were all significant factors.
The positive export results confirm the competitiveness of the Polish agri-food sector and the growing interest in Polish food in foreign markets. Of particular importance is the growth in sales of processed products and the development of exports to promising markets outside the EU. Promotional activities implemented abroad by the National Support Centre for Agriculture and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development support the process of diversifying export destinations and strengthening the presence of Polish food in global markets.
* Data from the Analysis and Strategy Office of the National Support Centre for Agriculture