Disruptions in supply chains between China and Europe have prompted many local companies to consider sourcing goods from suppliers in closer markets. In this context, Polish suppliers are particularly interesting to Croatian importers.
The shortage and rising prices of coal, the raw material from which China derives nearly 60 percent of its electricity, have forced the authorities of the world’s second-largest economy to introduce numerous restrictions. The significant energy crisis that has shaken this country in recent weeks has further contributed to the continuation of unstable conditions in global trade, deepening shortages in various categories of raw materials and goods, thereby refocusing attention on the search for alternative markets.
The historic rise in transportation costs, as well as uncertainty regarding delivery times, has led many companies in Southeast Europe to thoroughly reassess their supply chains during 2022.
– The energy crisis in China has certainly prompted Croatia to turn towards alternative European markets, especially the Polish market, which will become extremely significant in the upcoming period due to its proximity and wide range of product offerings – said Zoran Starčević, director of cargo-partner in Croatia.
New Focus on Poland
Since the beginning of the last decade, Poland’s foreign trade has grown nearly tenfold. The leading export products from Poland to Croatia in 2021, based on total monetary value, are electrical machines and appliances, furniture and parts, road vehicles, and clothing. The trade exchange between Croatia and Poland has been steadily increasing in recent years, and economists emphasize that capacities are still not fully utilized, with continued growth expected. Data from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics shows that in 2021, the total trade exchange, which includes imports and exports between Croatia and Poland, reached 1.538 billion euros.
