Food exports at all time high

This was despite the Russian embargo on Polish meat and a strong zloty. Partly as a result of the embargo, last year also saw interesting shifts in the mix of the main export markets, with the Czech Republic emerging as Poland's second-biggest trading partner behind Germany for food products. Exports to the Czech Republic jumped by 44% to EUR557 million, led by horticultural, confectionery, meat and dairy products. Meanwhile, Russia fell from second to sixth place as the UK, the Netherlands and Italy seized spots three to five. There were also major increases in Polish food exports to China, Germany, Ireland and Lithuania. According to experts, given Poland's strong production base and competitive prices, Polish food exports will continue to expand in coming years, albeit not as fast as they did in the first three years after EU accession. A growth rate of 10% per year is realistic, driven as in the past by meat products, although the environment for dairy is tougher. (Puls Biznesu, p. 1, 4-5) R.M.