Polish-German trade is gaining in importance – record growth in the first half of 2025

According to the latest data published by the German Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt) and the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations (Ost-Ausschuss der Deutschen Wirtschaft), Polish-German trade reached a record level of €90 billion in the first half of 2025. This represents an increase of 5.4% over the same period last year and confirms that Poland remains one of Germany’s most important economic partners.

Poland among Germany’s leading economic partners

Poland currently ranks fifth among Germany’s most important trading partners in terms of total turnover, ahead of Italy and China, among others. In terms of exports alone, Poland ranks fourth, just behind the United States, France, and the Netherlands.

The value of German exports to Poland amounted to €49.4 billion in H1 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.7%. By comparison, total German exports worldwide fell by 0.1% in the same period.

German exports to Poland – opportunities and challenges

German exports to Poland are growing faster than in many other directions. Exports of cars and automotive parts, among other things, remain stable. In contrast, the machinery and equipment sector is seeing increasingly strong competition from China—global exports of German machinery fell by 7.9% in H1 2025.

Some industry analyses also point to an increase in exports to Poland in the areas of steel semi-finished products, measuring equipment, and rolling stock.

Polish exports to Germany – stable growth

Polish exports to Germany increased by 5.2% in the first half of 2025, reaching a value of €40.6 billion. Poland remains Germany’s fourth most important import destination, confirming the strong position of Polish companies in the German supply chain.

Growing demand in Germany, especially for industrial products and consumer goods, creates a solid foundation for the further expansion of Polish companies.

Polish-German trade as a pillar of European integration

The German Eastern Business Association emphasizes that since Poland joined the EU in 2004, economic cooperation between the two countries has become one of the greatest successes of integration.

At the same time, industry organizations point to challenges. The Federal Association of Freight Transport and Logistics (BGL) is calling for simplifications in procedures for truck transport — in 2024, more than 9.7 million vehicles subject to road tolls were recorded at PL-DE border crossings. So far, trade data for 2025 does not indicate that border controls have significantly disrupted trade, but entrepreneurs fear potential difficulties in the future.

What’s next for entrepreneurs?

The further development of Polish-German trade will depend on maintaining economic stability in the European Union, reducing transport barriers, and the ability of companies to invest in new technologies.

However, the record results for the first half of 2025 clearly show that Poland and Germany remain strategic economic partners and that their cooperation is one of the drivers of growth in the entire European region.

Are you planning to expand your trade activities in the EU – especially with partners in Poland or Germany? Take advantage of getsix®’s international expertise. We support foreign businesses in accounting, tax, and legal matters. Contact us to explore how we can help your company grow in the Polish and European markets.

Data sources:

• Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Statistisches Bundesamt), announcement dated August 20, 2025.
• Eastern Committee of German Business (Ost-Ausschuss der Deutschen Wirtschaft), H1 2025 report.

If you have any further questions or require additional information, please contact your business relationship person or use the enquiry form on the HLB Poland website.

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