Polish import market remains strong

A recent report has shown that the Polish machinery import market remains strong, with 80% of equipment being imported into the country.

The Construction machinery market in Poland 2012 report, compiled by research company PMR, showed that domestic production of machinery only accounted for 20% of equipment used.

PMR measured the net imports of selected types of construction machinery in 2011 and found that 39% of imports were for rotary loaders and excavators. This was followed by front-end loaders (25%), other loaders (20%), tamping machines and road rollers (10%) and bulldozers (4%). Other types of machinery made up the remaining 2%.

Changes in construction project type and demand have led to changes in demand for equipment. PMR predicted that excavators and backhoe loaders will continue to lead market share, while there will be low-level stabilisation in demand for tower cranes and a drop off in the use of road rollers.

Road projects are predicted to decline following a drop in capital spending by the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) as of 2013.

Sales of tower cranes declined from 8% in 2007 to 0.5% in 2011 following a slowdown in property development. This market is predicted to now stabilise as the current stock of cranes is sufficient to meet the demand generated by construction companies.

PMR also predicted that companies would transfer machinery stock outside of Poland to markets such as Russia, where they would intensify investment efforts.

PMR forecast an inflow of EU funds to Poland between 2014 and 2020. It said this, combined with the periodic need to renew construction machinery, would mean that Poland is set to remain a lucrative market for equipment manufacturers, distributors and rental firms.