In 2022, Poland became Ukraine’s main trading partner (largest export recipient and 2nd largest supplier after China) in terms of turnover. Ukraine is the 9th recipient of Polish exports. The value of Polish trade with Ukraine increased by 56 %, reports the Polish Economic Institute (PIE).

Ukrainian trade in 2022, like the economy, collapsed – the value of exports fell by 35 % compared to 2021, and imports by 19 %. Apart from the war damage, the main reason was the blockade of the main trade route, which led through the Black Sea and before 2022 handled about two-thirds of Ukrainian exports. There was a diversion of trade routes to land routes, to Polish rail infrastructure and seaports. 

By contrast, Russia and Belarus disappeared as Ukraine’s trade partners in 2022. Only the creation of the so-called ‘grain corridor’ in August 2022 allowed the role of maritime transport to be partially restored, although most exports are still transited through countries bordering Ukraine.

Poland’s international trade turnover with Ukraine increased by 56 %, up to PLN 74.7 billion, of which PLN 45.6 billion were exports (up 59 % y-o-y), and PLN 29.1 billion were imports (up 52 % y-o-y).

The largest increase, by PLN 7.4 billion, was recorded in exports of diesel and other crude oil (74-fold). A very large, 45-fold increase was also recorded in exports of arms and ammunition (PLN 3.9bn). Not all deliveries of military equipment are evident in the trade data, however. Exports of machinery and mechanical equipment amount to PLN 5.4 billion. 

In imports from Ukraine to Poland, the most important were plant products with an almost 6-fold increase to PLN 5.97 billion. Most important among these commodities were cereals (PLN 2.8 billion), the bulk of which were maize with an almost 20-fold increase, and rapeseed and canola. Imports of sunflower oil increased fivefold.

Adrian Andrzejewski