Polish Manufacturing Sector Continues Contraction Despite Slight Improvement
Poland's manufacturing downturn eased marginally in September but remains deeply contracted, with the PMI at 49.0—below the 50-point threshold marking recession for the 17th straight month.
Poland's S&P Global Manufacturing PMI rose to 49.0 in September 2026, up from 48.3 in August, but remained below the neutral 50.0 mark for the 17th consecutive month, indicating continued deterioration in manufacturing conditions.
While the index moved slightly upward, the underlying health of Poland's industrial sector remains fragile. Output, new orders, and employment all contracted, though at slower rates, with new work declining for the 18th month in a row. Export orders fell for the 10th consecutive month and at a faster pace, while overall production dropped for the 15th time in 17 months.
Labour Market Holds Steady
Employment decreased for the 16th time in 17 months, although the rate of job losses was only marginal. The marginal pace of job shedding suggests employers are cautious but not slashing headcount dramatically. Business confidence strengthened, reaching its highest level since May, offering a glimmer of hope that the downturn may be bottoming out.
Prices and Supply Chains
Input cost inflation eased for the fourth time in five months but remained elevated, while output charge inflation picked up modestly. Supply-chain pressures persist, though at a slower pace than earlier in the contraction.
What This Means for Expats
If you work in manufacturing or supply-chain roles, Polish firms remain cautious about hiring. Job security is stable if you're already employed, but new-hire expectations should be conservative. Smaller firms may delay expansion plans. For job seekers in industrial sectors, the labour market has softened; prioritize stable, larger employers.
Sources
Independent app, not a government. General information, not advice. The official source:
