Export of Wood from Poland: Polish Wood for Export

What are the main directions for the export of wood from Poland, and which wood products are in greatest demand abroad?

Poland is one of Europe’s notable exporters of wood and wood-derived products, with the sector playing a key role in the country’s economy and impacting the trade balance. Exports of wood and related products include both raw, unprocessed wood and processed wood products as well as finished items. According to data gathered from 2023–2024, there has been a dynamic increase in demand for wood from Poland, linked to international ecological trends, rising demand for renewable resources, and the ongoing resource crisis, which is driving demand for wood in various industrial sectors.

In 2023, Poland exported wood and wood products worth over 5 billion PLN, marking an increase of around 12% compared to the previous year. This growth results from several factors, including high demand for construction timber and semi-finished wood products used in the construction and furniture sectors. Poland's primary export markets for wood are EU countries such as Germany, France, the Czech Republic, and Italy, with a growing share of exports also heading to Asian countries like China and South Korea. Germany is Poland’s largest trade partner in this sector, accounting for about 25% of total wood exports, equating to over one billion PLN annually. Polish wood exports include both softwood, mainly used in construction and paper production, and hardwood, which is popular in the furniture and flooring industries.

A significant part of Poland’s wood exports is also made up of processed products, such as chipboards, plywood, and joinery products. Poland is one of Europe’s leading producers and exporters of chipboards, producing over 6 million cubic meters in 2023, of which 70% was exported. The export value of chipboards exceeded one billion PLN, with Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France as the main importers. Chipboards are primarily used in furniture production, fueling significant demand from the furniture industry across Europe. Another important export product is MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard), which accounts for about 20% of total wood panel exports. In 2023, Poland exported MDF panels valued at over 500 million PLN, with key markets in Western Europe, especially Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

In 2024, Poland’s export of wood and wood products remains robust despite challenges stemming from the unstable global economic situation and logistical issues affecting international transport. In the first half of 2024, the value of wood exports reached 3 billion PLN, reflecting a 10% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Poland continues to expand its presence in international markets, particularly in Asia, where demand for construction and furniture wood is growing. Chinese companies are increasingly seeking wood suppliers from Europe, creating new opportunities for Polish exporters, particularly for hardwood, which is valued for use in furniture production and interior finishing. The value of hardwood exports to China in 2024 increased by 20% compared to the previous year, and forecasts indicate further growth as European wood gains popularity in the Chinese market.

Exports of joinery products, such as windows and doors, also saw an increase in 2023. Poland is one of Europe’s largest producers of windows and doors, with around 70% of production destined for export. In 2023, the export value of windows and doors exceeded 4 billion PLN, an 8% increase compared to the previous year. Poland’s primary export markets for windows and doors are Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Scandinavian countries. The Polish joinery industry has gained popularity due to the high quality of its products, valued for durability and aesthetics. Poland exports both wooden windows and doors as well as composite materials, catering to a variety of customer expectations abroad.

Exports of paper and paper products from Poland also play a significant role in the national economy. Poland is one of Europe’s main paper producers, with the production of paper and cardboard reaching approximately 4 million tons in 2023, of which about 60% was exported. The export value of paper and cardboard exceeded 3 billion PLN, with Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy as the main importers of Polish paper products. Poland exports both packaging paper, used in the logistics and e-commerce industries, as well as hygiene paper and printing paper. The demand for packaging paper is closely linked to the rapid growth of the e-commerce sector, which generates substantial demand for cardboard packaging.

Poland’s wood and paper industries also face challenges related to rising raw material costs and pressures for sustainable development. Many companies in Poland are investing in modern wood processing technologies and the production of eco-friendly packaging materials, enabling them to meet customer demands and comply with environmental regulations. An example of such efforts is the production of biodegradable packaging, which is increasingly popular in Western Europe.

It is worth noting that Poland’s wood and wood-derived product exports are supported by government actions and industry organizations promoting Polish products abroad. Export platforms such as Poland-Export.com and participation in international trade fairs enable Polish companies to establish contacts with foreign trade partners and promote Polish wood in international markets.