Poland is a power in the export of grave candles

Poland has a chance to become the world leader in the export of grave candles. Currently, it is one of the main players on the global market of this specialist product, as well as candles in general. We are second in the world in terms of the value of their export.

According to the International Trade Centre, Polish exports in this industry last year reached the value of EUR 764 million, which is 17 percent of the global market. In the world, only China is ahead of us, but this advantage may soon decrease, which  will create an opportunity for Polish manufacturers to take the lead.

Leader in Europe, in competition with China

Poland dominates the European market, where it occupies the first position in the export of grave candles. The closest competitors are the Netherlands with exports worth EUR 210 million and Germany with EUR 177 million. On a global scale, only China is ahead of us, which exported candles worth EUR 877 million last year.

According to Eurostat data, Poland is also the largest exporter of candles among the European Union countries. In 2022, candles with a total value of EUR 922 million were exported from Poland, which is 38% of total candle exports in terms of value. More here

Main markets: Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden

Germany is Poland’s most important trading partner  in terms of the export of grave candles, which is responsible for about 33 per cent of exports of Polish products, which translates into the value of EUR 253 million. The Netherlands is in second place, with 11 per cent of exports (EUR 88 million), and Sweden closes the podium with imports worth EUR 66 million, which is 8 per cent of Polish exports.

Potential for growth with EU regulation

The increase in exports of Polish grave candles may be driven by changes in the European Union’s climate policy, including the Fit for 55 package, which may affect the competitiveness of Chinese manufacturers. Currently, China dominates mainly in the lower segments of the market, thanks to low labour costs and fewer restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions. However, the new EU regulations may affect the production costs of Chinese companies, which creates an opportunity for Poland to become the global leader .

Ciech Vitro – the leader in the production of grave candles in Poland

One of the leaders of the Polish market is Ciech Vitro, owned by Sebastian Kulczyk. It specializes in the production of decorative lanterns and jars, and its factory in Iłowa supplies almost half of all glass lanterns for candles in Poland. At its peak, the production there reaches several hundred thousand a day, which positions it among the leaders, not only Europe but also global producers of this product.

In the face of new regulations and growing demand for higher quality products, Poland has a chance to become the world leader in this industry’s exports.

Sources: ISBnews, International Trade Centre, Eurostat