Growth of Poland's green exports

After a difficult period of decline in 2020-2021, Polish exports of products related to the green economy rebounded and achieved record results. In 2022, Poland’s share in global exports of products related to environmental and climate protection increased to 1.9%. This was equivalent to a value of USD 35 billion. In 2023, this value increased by another USD 2 billion, or 6%. Poland continues to develop in this sector. Although the growth rate was slower than in the European Union, where the growth was 10%, but faster than in China.

Increase in exports of products for low-carbon energy production

Poland recorded an increase in exports of products used for low-carbon energy generation. In 2022, the share of these products in global exports was 1.6 %, which translates into USD 3.3 billion. In 2023, exports of these devices increased by 7.6 % to $3.6 billion. Although this growth was slower than in the European Union, it was faster than in China or the USA.

Key Export Products

In terms of export of equipment for low-emission energy generation, Poland stands out with three products in particular. These are insulating wool, lead-acid batteries and gas turbines, the power of which does not exceed 5 thousand kW. In the EU, the most important export products in this sector are gas turbine parts, photovoltaic panels and heat exchangers.

China’s dominance and challenges for the EU

China is a world leader in the export of products related to environmental and climate protection. The share of the Middle Kingdom in 2022 amounted to 23%. The EU’s share was 17%, and the US – 8%. China’s even greater advantage is visible in the sector of low-emission energy generation equipment. Their share was 31 %, while the EU had less than 10% and the US 9%. Imports of these devices from China to the EU, in particular photovoltaic panels, are very large. It accounts for 64% of the EU’s total imports in this sector.

The need to integrate climate and industrial policies

The huge disparity in trade with China highlights the need to integrate climate policy with industrial policy in the EU. Increasing dependence on China in supply chains, especially for critical raw materials, poses new challenges for the EU in the context of the development of the green economy.

Source: Polish Economic Institute, Economic Weekly, issue 27/2024.