Poland sees surge in corporate and consumer debt

Polish firms in the wood and furniture sectors are facing mounting arrears. The National Debt Register reports overdue obligations of 135.7 million zł for furniture producers and retailers and 216.3 million zł for timber companies, totaling about 352 million zł. One‑fourth of furniture firms and one‑fifth of timber firms now require stricter credit terms, and the share of highly reliable companies has fallen sharply.

At the same time, the labour market is weakening. Unemployment rose above 6 % in 2026, with some regions nearing 20 %. The drop in job openings has led to a rapid increase in consumer debt: total overdue consumer liabilities grew by 139 million zł in the first quarter to 81.5 billion zł, affecting roughly 2.4 million people. The average Polish household now owes about 34 thousand zł, and many are prioritising payments to family and friends before utilities and other creditors.