Poland’s retail price growth slows as milk production rises and job market heats up

In June 2026, the average price increase for everyday consumer goods in Poland slowed to 2.7% year‑on‑year, down from 3.4% in May and 3.7% in April. Food prices rose 1.9% y/y, a further deceleration from 2.4% in May and 3.3% in April. Analysts attribute the slowdown to lower transport and energy costs, a reduced VAT rate on fuels, seasonal abundance of domestic fruits and vegetables, and intense price competition among discount retailers.

Polish milk collection volumes rose 3.1% y/y in May, reaching 1 225.7 million litres, confirming a continued upward trend in domestic milk production. Poland remains one of the five largest milk producers in the EU, with the Podlaskie region receiving the largest share of the milk flow.

The labour market showed a reversal of a year‑long decline: June saw a 4% y/y increase in job postings, the first rise in twelve months, driven by demand for specialists in cyber‑security, health care and other high‑skill sectors.

Retailers also highlighted waste‑reduction measures. Lidl introduced “imperfect” tomatoes priced at 3.99 zł per kilogram and mixed‑produce bags for 8 zł, encouraging consumers to buy cosmetically flawed but otherwise edible produce.