Poland has maintained its position as the world’s leading exporter of plastic doors and windows. In 2025, the value of foreign sales in this category reached EUR 1.97 billion. At the same time, total exports of plastic builders’ ware exceeded EUR 2.63 billion, securing Poland second place globally. The industry continues to hold a strong position despite a challenging market environment shaped by factors such as exchange rate volatility, high oil prices and uncertainty over supplies of raw materials used in plastics production.
Spring and early summer traditionally support renovation works and construction investments, which is reflected in the strong position of Polish manufacturers of home and interior furnishings on foreign markets. This is particularly visible in the case of Polish furniture. In 2025, its export value reached EUR 16.5 billion, an increase of 1.5% year on year.
The plastic builders’ ware sector also remains strong. According to International Trade Centre (ITC) data for 2025, exports in this category were worth EUR 2.64 billion, giving Poland second place in the world and first place in Europe. PVC doors and windows account for a significant part of this category. Exports of these products reached nearly EUR 1.98 billion, making Poland the largest exporter of such goods both globally and in Europe.
Polish plastic windows and doors are sold mainly to Germany, where exports reached EUR 618 million, up 7% year on year, and France, where sales amounted to EUR 181.8 million, up 3.3% year on year.
Geopolitical situation affects material costs
Analysts note that around 35% of global seaborne oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the World Bank, attacks on energy infrastructure and disruptions to shipping have caused the largest oil supply shock ever recorded. Hopes for progress in negotiations concerning the Strait of Hormuz pushed oil prices below USD 100 per barrel, while the dollar weakened at the end of the week. This also supported regional currencies, including the Polish zloty.
However, if tensions around oil transport persist, plastics manufacturers may face further cost increases.
“The coming months may be difficult for the European construction market. The production of PVC, polymers and components used, among others, in windows, doors and insulation remains strongly dependent on the oil and gas market. Higher energy prices and logistics problems increase production costs and price pressure across the entire supply chain. Uncertainty on the raw materials market and risks to global supply chains linked to restrictions in oil transport remain important risk factors. Any further increases in energy and freight prices may translate into greater uncertainty in international trade and higher exchange rate volatility. As a result, the joinery sector may experience both rising operating costs and greater caution among buyers on European markets in the coming quarters. In such conditions, exporting companies should pay even more attention to currency risk management and liquidity planning,” said Jacek Jurczyński, CEO of Akcenta CZ, a provider of foreign payment and currency risk management solutions for companies.
Although the temporary weakening of the dollar and decline in oil prices have temporarily reduced the cost of importing raw materials and components, the situation remains highly dependent on global geopolitical tensions and the energy market. For companies exporting in dollars, the current USD/PLN exchange rate is less favourable, while any renewed increase in oil prices could quickly translate into higher operating costs and greater currency volatility.
Data sources: International Trade Centre (ITC), 2025 data, by category: 3925 – Builders’ ware of plastics, n.e.s.; 392520 – Doors, windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, of plastics; 94 – Furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings.
