In 2023, trade between Poland and the United Kingdom hit an all-time high, reaching €36.4 billion—a 35% increase since 2018. The services sector stood out, with its value soaring by 70%
over the same period.
With its population of around 67 million and strong purchasing power, the UK remains a highly attractive and stable market for Polish exporters. The competitive pricing and high quality of Polish goods are driving continued growth, especially in sectors like food, technology, clothing, and professional services.
Strengthening economic ties
In recent years, Poland and the UK have significantly deepened their economic relationship—not just in trade, but also in investment. Poland now ranks sixth in Europe for investment attractiveness, drawing increasing attention from British investors.
Trade in goods: strong and steady growth
The UK is Poland’s fourth-largest export destination. In 2023, Polish exports to the UK totaled €17.5 billion, rising to €18.5 billion in 2024. Imports from the UK held steady at around €6.1 billion across both years.
The total trade in goods hit €23.6 billion in 2023—up 21% since 2018—and reached €24.6 billion in 2024. Poland maintains a robust trade surplus, with a positive balance of €11.4 billion in 2023 and nearly €12.5 billion in 2024.
Looking at the bigger picture, UK imports of goods totaled $791.66 billion in 2023, while exports stood at $521.21 billion. The UK’s top import partners include China (12.1%), the US (11.4%), and Germany (9.4%).
Services sector: a rising star
The UK ranks third among countries receiving Polish services (7.7%) and second as a provider of services to Poland (8.1%). The biggest growth areas include IT, consulting, finance, and outsourcing—sectors that reinforce Poland’s role as a business hub for Central and Eastern Europe.
British investments on the rise
British investments in Poland reached PLN 91.4 billion in 2023, doubling since 2018. Over 1,400 British-backed companies operate in Poland, employing approximately 113,000 people. Major players include GSK, BP, Castorama, and HSBC. Notably, 51% of companies on the FTSE 100 index have operations in Poland.
The energy sector, especially renewable energy and decarbonization, is becoming a key area for UK investment.
Polish companies expanding into the UK
Polish businesses are also making their mark in the UK, with direct investments reaching £460 million in 2022. Companies like InPost, Atlas, and TFKable have successfully established a strong presence, boosting Poland’s visibility in the British market.
Looking ahead
Experts expect future collaboration to focus on key sectors such as energy, aviation, technology, and finance. With continued momentum in trade, investments, and innovation—especially in areas like energy transition, digitalization, and startups—the economic partnership between Poland and the UK is poised for even greater growth in the years to come. Photo by Oxyman, Wikimedia commons.