During the first years of the crisis, the country’s economy was the only one in the European Union to have a slight growth (1.7%) of GDP, where another Members of EU were stagnant. In 2011 the country’s GDP reached 3.8% and the following year increased to 4.2%. At present, the rapid growth and development of the economy is influenced by domestic consumption, which shows constant growth for the last three years. Compared to other Central and Eastern European countries in the region, Poland acquires a large internal consumer market of 38 million people. In 2010 the level of consumption increased by 2%, in 2011 by 3.3% and in 2012 by 3.2% compared to the last year.
Poland Central Bank forecasted economic growth at 2.3% in 2013, which is higher than in any Member of State. A large domestic market, volatile exchange rate of zloty and a small share of the financial sector in GDP will continue to support positive economic improvements.
Currently 56% of the country’s export goes to the European Union. Due to the fact that the market conjuncture in EU zone fluctuates, some Polish elite recommends to funnel the export into CIS countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
The share of Polish export to Russia from total turnover transported by road transport has increased from 4.01%, 2011 to 5.05%, 2012.
Polish import-export turnover carried by road transport has grown by 1.3% in 2012 compared to the last year. The following comparison table is based on European statistical office Eurostat:
Yearly import-export turnover transported by road vehicles, Poland, tons | Year 2011 | Year 2012 | Market Dynamics
2012/2011, % |
62 267 762 | 63 070 153 | +1,3% | |
Import, tons | 30 763 110 | 29 651 999 | -3,6% |
Export, tons | 31 504 652 | 33 418 154 | +6,1%
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During the same period, cargo road transportation between Poland and the Russian Federation has increased significantly in both directions.
Yearly import-export turnover between Poland and Russia transported by road vehicles, tons | Year 2011 | Year 2012 | Market Dynamics
2012/2011, % |
2 499 675 | 3 186 525 | 27,5% | |
Import, tons | 476 938 | 628 655 | 31,81% |
Export, tons | 2 022 737 | 2 557 870 | 26,46% |