There are signs of strain, however. Tusk, the centrist prime minister, is at odds with Karol Nawrocki, the conservative president. As in other European countries, there is significant concern about migration. At the same time, the country has one of the lowest birthrates in Europe, so it may need foreign workers to fill local jobs. In the taxis around Warsaw, it is common to find drivers from Uzbekistan or Georgia. The war in Ukraine, meanwhile, heightens anxiety about security at the same time as it
spurs investment in defence and brings more activity to the NATO military bases that support the Ukrainian armed forces. Damien Stewart, head of the Polish chapter of the Polish Australian Chamber of Commerce, says he is seeing more Polish companies seeking to do business in Australia than the other way around. Talking over a coffee in Fabryka Norblina, a historic factory converted into a busy food and shopping centre, he says he wants to encourage more of both. Judging by the volume of trade and
investment today, there is plenty of potential. Australian investment in Poland was worth $2.2 billion in 2025, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Investment in the other direction was $25.1 billion. Trade figures show Australia buys more from Poland than it sells there. Things may change under the free-trade agreement signed between Australia and the EU this year. While the deal provoked concerns from farmers in France and Ireland, the Polish government was seen as a supporter. This is not only about
Australian beef and lamb exports: when Poland held its annual MSPO defence expo last year, 50 Australian defence companies attended. “Australia has a lot to offer in our growing economic relationship with Poland,” Australia’s ambassador to Poland, Benjamin Hayes, says. “We see particular opportunities for defence industry, the energy security and renewables sector, and critical minerals export and co-investment.” Baranowski wants more trade and investment with Australia – although, based on his travel plans, it is fair to say his priority will be big export
markets such as India and China. “The FTA with Australia is helping,” he says. “We are not there yet with Australia. But we are building.” Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
Poland, Australia, trade, investment, free-trade agreement, NATO bases, Ukraine war, migration, Warsaw taxis, birthrate, defence industry, energy security, renewables, critical minerals, MSPO defence expo
So wait, Poland’s buying defense stuff from Australia now? Sounds like another NATO money grab.
Low birthrate + migration = they need workers but also “concern.” I mean that’s every country right? Warsaw taxis with Uzbek drivers isn’t exactly shocking.
I read that and thought it meant Australia is sending troops to Poland or something. Like NATO bases on Ukraine side already? Confusing article, but seems like more security anxiety than trade.
France and Ireland are mad about the free-trade deal but Poland supports it? Guess that means Poland gets the best beef prices or whatever. Also 25.1 billion investment the other way seems backwards, like how is Australia putting more money in Poland than Poland in Australia and then still “building”?