Competitiveness of Polish Agri-Food Products in the Single European Market

Achieving a competitive advantage is a fundamental aspect of international trade. However, competitiveness is dynamic in nature, which is why we should analyse in particular the ability to achieve and, at a later time, maintain or increase competitive advantage. The aim of this article is to assess the competitive position of Polish agri-food products in the Single European Market. The analysis was conducted using deliberately selected quantitative measures of ex post competitive position. The calculations were made using statistical data from the UNCTAD database for the years 2010 to 2022 (it is important to gain trade advantages and maintain them over a longer period of time). The research shows that Poland is a net exporter of agri-food products to the SEM. In the analysed period, Poland generated trade advantages for products of animal origin and processed products. Poland generated trade advantages in exports to the SEM for products such as tobacco and tobacco products, meat and edible offal, fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, as well as meat, fish, crustacean, cereal, fruit, and vegetable products. Importantly, in the analysed period, an increase in generated trade surpluses is visible only for the first two product groups, which are also characterized by relatively high export specialization. These groups are the most important in the structure of Polish exports to the SEM and show the highest growth dynamics in terms of value.