Basic data

The year-on-year growth in gross domestic product in the second quarter of 2026 was higher than that recorded in the previous quarter and a year earlier (both seasonally unadjusted and seasonally adjusted).

The annual decrease in average paid employment in the enterprise sector was similar to that observed in July 2026. In the register rolls of the unemployed, fewer persons were recorded than a year ago, whereas more persons were removed from the register. The registered unemployment rate at the end of August 2026 remained at the level of the previous month and was higher a year ago.

According to the preliminary results of the Labour Force Survey, in the second quarter of 2026 the number of employed persons and the employment rate were slightly higher than in the corresponding period of the previous year. The number of unemployed persons and the unemployment rate also increased compared with those recorded a year earlier.

The annual growth in average nominal and real gross wages and salaries in the enterprise sector was smaller than in July 2026 (when an acceleration in dynamics of wages and salaries was observed).

Average nominal gross retirement and other pensions from the non-agricultural social security system increased year-on-year to a slightly greater extent than in July 2026. A slightly higher increase in their purchasing power was also recorded, despite accelerating inflation. Nominal benefits of farmers, after two months of decline, were higher than in August 2025 (as a result of the payments of outstanding compensations for widows’ pensions). Their purchasing power remained lower than a year earlier.

The accelerated inflation and was the highest in this year. It was mainly due to the sharp rise in transport-related prices, particularly prices of fuel. The prices related to dwelling, including electricity, gas, and other fuels, also grew slightly more than in July 2026. However, the year-on-year decrease in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages (observed since June 2026) continued and was deeper than in the two previous months.

The rate of increase in producer prices in industry accelerated further. The dynamics of prices in construction also was slightly higher than in the previous months.

The year-on-year growth rate of sold production of industry was slightly lower than in the previous month. Production increased in all sections of industry, and the highest growth was in mining and quarrying. In manufacturing, the growth rate was slightly lower than that recorded for industry as a whole. Among the main industrial groupings, sales increased in the production of intermediate goods, non-durable consumer goods and capital goods, while it decreased in the production of durable consumer goods and energy-related goods.

More dwellings were completed than in August 2025. After a sharp decline in the previous year, the number of dwellings for which permits have been granted⁷ has increased, as well as the number of dwellings in which construction has begun.

The year-on-year growth in retail sales was slightly lower than in the previous month. Sales rose in most groups, including the two largest, i.e. food, beverages and tobacco products as well as solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. As in the previous month, a decline in sales was recorded in the textiles, clothing, footwear group.

Procurement prices of most basic agricultural products were lower than in August 2025. However, prices of wheat increased (compared with a decline recorded a year earlier).

Surveyed enterprises recorded better financial results than in the first half of 2025, and their economic and financial ratios also improved. Revenues from export sales increased. The basic indicators for exporters were more favourable than a year earlier and better than those recorded for all surveyed enterprises.

Respondents’ sentiments regarding the current situation of individual consumption are less pessimistic than in August 2026, including opinions on the possibility of making important purchases which have improved the most. However, assessments concerning the future consumers situation are more negative than a month earlier, including a deterioration in forecasts on the household’s financial situation. Among respondents prevail opinions that consumer prices will rise at a similar rate in the coming months as they have so far.

Consumers’ concerns regarding the current situation in Ukraine are in general greater than a month earlier. The percentage of respondents who believe that the conflict in Ukraine poses a serious threat to Poland’s sovereignty and independence grew (to 31% from 28%). More respondents also view the situation in Ukraine as a significant threat to the Polish economy (27% compared to 23%). According to 9% of consumers (vs. 8% a month before), the conflict may pose a major threat to their personal financial situation. Similarly to August 2026, 3% of respondents are seriously concerned about losing their jobs or having to shut down their businesses due to the situation in Ukraine, and 8% (vs. 6%) consider such a situation possible.