In the first half of 2026, Ukrainian spending in Poland reached 3.4987 billion zlotys, nearly repeating the record for the same period in 2019. At the same time, the number of border crossings decreased, although Ukrainian shoppers' expenses increased. This was reported by InPoland, citing an analysis by Personnel Service based on GUS data.
Ukrainian Spending in Poland: Results of the First Half of 2026
From January to June, Ukrainians spent around 3.5 billion zlotys compared to approximately 3.42 billion the previous year. The growth is estimated at 2.4%. Only about 300,000 zlotys separate the current result from the record figure of 3.499 billion zlotys in the first half of 2019.
During the same period, 4.36 million crossings of the Polish-Ukrainian border were recorded, which is 0.9% less than last year. Thus, the increase in total spending occurred against the backdrop of fewer crossings.
Experts explain that people may travel less often but buy more goods in one visit or opt for more expensive purchases. At the same time, the amounts mentioned do not themselves indicate how the physical volumes of purchased goods changed, as prices also affect spending.
The number of border crossings does not equal the number of individual people: one person may have traveled multiple times. Moreover, this data should not be interpreted as the complete consumer budget of all Ukrainians who permanently live in Poland, including their expenses for renting and buying housing.
Shopping in Poland: What Ukrainians Spent Money on in 2026
The largest portion of spending consisted of non-food goods. The distribution by categories was as follows:
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76.3% went to non-food goods;
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15% on food and non-alcoholic beverages;
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8.7% on other services.
A significant portion of purchases were made in towns near the border. The article does not provide a detailed list of the most popular non-food items.
In the long term, spending has changed significantly:
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2014: 5.18 billion zlotys;
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2019: 7.73 billion zlotys;
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2020: 2.65 billion zlotys;
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2021: 2.94 billion zlotys;
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2022: 5.44 billion zlotys;
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2023: over 7.1 billion zlotys;
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2025: 7.71 billion zlotys.
The sharpest decline occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, after which the figures began to recover. The result for the first half of 2026 gives experts reason to presume a new annual record, but the final result will depend on the second half of the year.
For those who travel for shopping, not only prices are important, but also the rules for bringing purchased goods. In particular, certain restrictions apply to transporting products across the border, so the contents of purchases should be checked before returning.