The British-Polish Chamber of Commerce (BPCC) has presented a report titled "The Potential of Polish-British Economic Cooperation," highlighting the dynamic growth of trade between Poland and the United Kingdom. In 2023, the total value of trade in goods and services reached a record-breaking €36.4 billion, marking a 35% increase compared to 2018. A particularly significant rise was observed in the trade of services, which grew by 70%. This proves that economic relations between the two countries have not only survived Brexit but are flourishing with renewed strength.
The record-breaking trade level between Poland and the UK stems from the increasing demand for goods and services provided by Polish companies. Despite Brexit, trade and investment relations between the two countries have not only remained stable but have gained new momentum, as confirmed by BPCC data. A key factor in this process is Poland's growing investment attractiveness, which ranks sixth in Europe according to EY, rapidly catching up with the continent’s economic leaders.
The United Kingdom remains Poland’s fourth-largest export market. In 2023, Poland’s exports to the UK reached €17.5 billion, while imports stood at €6.1 billion. The total value of trade in goods amounted to €23.6 billion, reflecting a 21% increase compared to 2018. The export structure is dominated by machinery, equipment, transportation products, and food. Poland maintains a significant surplus in trade with the UK, amounting to €11.4 billion.
The service sector has also recorded a remarkable rise. The UK is Poland’s third-largest recipient of services (7.7%) and the second-largest supplier (8.1%). This growth is driven by IT, consulting, financial, and outsourcing services, highlighting Poland’s increasing role as a business hub in Central and Eastern Europe.
Professor Witold Orłowski, Chief Economic Advisor at PwC, commented on the report’s findings, stating:
"Trade between Poland and the UK is now one of the fastest-growing bilateral economic relationships in Europe. Poland is effectively filling market niches in the UK, and British companies eagerly take advantage of high-quality Polish products and services."
Professor Eliza Przeździecka, Director of the Institute of International Economics at SGH, emphasized during the debate:
"The UK is the world's sixth-largest economy by GDP. For Polish exporters, it is the fourth most important market, while Polish investors have invested £460 million in the UK. Further expansion—both in trade and investment—could become a crucial pillar in strengthening our economy through internationalization."
British investments in Poland have reached an impressive level. Their cumulative value stands at PLN 91.4 billion, representing a 103% increase since 2018. Over 1,400 British-capital firms operate in Poland, employing 113,000 people.
Leading British companies such as GSK, BP, Castorama, and HSBC play a key role in the Polish economy. Moreover, 51% of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange’s FTSE 100 index have already invested in Poland.
"Poland has become one of the most dynamic and competitive countries in Europe. This is thanks to the high qualifications and experience of the workforce, who demonstrate strong motivation, flexibility, and a willingness to learn new skills. They also possess numerous soft skills, such as cultural awareness, enabling effective collaboration in international and interdisciplinary teams," said Wojciech Skrudlik, Vice President of the Global Competence Center and a board member of GSK Poland.
The energy sector is also playing an increasing role in British investments in Poland. British firms are developing projects related to renewable energy sources and decarbonization strategies, aligning with the long-term climate transformation goals of both nations.
Polish companies are increasingly exploring the UK market. In 2022, Polish direct investments in the UK reached £460 million—a historic record. Polish enterprises such as InPost, Atlas, and TFKable are achieving significant success in the UK, creating new jobs and strengthening Poland’s presence in the British market. According to the BPCC report, many Polish entrepreneurs view the UK as a key platform for global expansion due to its business-friendly regulations, well-developed infrastructure, and transcontinental trade connections.
"The expansion of the Atlas Group into the UK market demonstrates the importance of careful planning and well-coordinated efforts. However, many companies following the same path encounter various regulatory requirements that can impact their development pace. This is an area that should be addressed in Polish-British relations," said Barbara Kończewska, Export Sales Manager at Atlas, during the conference.
Experts agree that future Polish-British cooperation will focus on the energy, aviation, technology, and financial sectors. Joint projects in energy transformation, airport infrastructure development, and technological expansion could further strengthen bilateral relations. Poland ranks sixth in Europe in terms of investment attractiveness, according to EY, confirming its growing role in the European economic landscape. This increasing attractiveness makes Poland an appealing long-term partner for British companies.
Polish-British economic relations are stronger than ever. The growing trade volume, rising investment value, and dynamic development of cooperation in strategic sectors indicate that both economies have immense potential for further growth. Opportunities for expanding cooperation include energy transformation, digitalization, and enhanced academic and startup exchange programs, making this partnership even more promising in the years ahead.
The report is also available in English: "The potential of Polish-British economic cooperation."
"The Potential of Polish-British Economic Cooperation" is a report prepared by Business Intel, a Market Intelligence & Strategy agency specializing in strategic analyses for businesses, NGOs, and the public sector. The report was commissioned by the British-Polish Chamber of Commerce (BPCC) and provides an analysis of the current state and future prospects of economic relations between Poland and the United Kingdom. It highlights the dynamic growth of trade cooperation, which has increased by 35% over the past five years, reaching €36.4 billion in 2023. The authors emphasize the UK's significance as Poland’s fourth-largest export market and the growing activity of Polish businesses in the UK, whose direct investments exceeded £460 million in 2022. The document serves as an important source of information for entrepreneurs and investors interested in Polish-British cooperation, identifying key areas with the greatest growth potential.
The British-Polish Chamber of Commerce BPCCis a non-profit organization that has been supporting the development of Polish-British economic cooperation since 1992. It brings together over 280 companies, collectively creating approximately 200,000 jobs in Poland. BPCC is the first point of contact for entities looking to invest in Poland as well as those planning expansion into the UK market. The Chamber helps its member companies share best practices, provides access to key business and government decision-makers, and organizes industry events to support their business growth in Poland and the UK. BPCC's mission is to create favorable conditions for bilateral trade and investment between Poland and the United Kingdom.