The majority of Poland’s tobacco products are exported to Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Photo credit: 2happy, CC0.
Poland’s Ministry of Economic Development and Technology says the country is the world’s second largest exporter of tobacco and industrial tobacco substitutes, as well as being the world’s largest tobacco importer.
The ministry cites China as having the honor of being the largest exporter of tobacco and industrial tobacco substitutes, with Germany in third place.
By the end of 2023, Poland's net exports (exports minus imports) reached a record high of US3.996 billion, marking the highest figure ever recorded in available data. In comparison, China's exports stood at approximately US$9.175 billion, while Germany reported exports valued at around US$3.393 billion.
Main markets for Poland’s tobacco products are European Union countries, accounting for 86% of the country’s production. The largest EU markets are Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Largest non-EU markets for Poland are the UK, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Ukraine.
Poland’s emergence as a key player in the global tobacco trade was significantly influenced by its entry into the EU in 2004. This milestone attracted substantial investment from international tobacco companies. EU membership also allowed Poland to integrate more effectively into European supply chains, while local manufacturing became more cost-competitive, further boosting the country's position in the market.