At a glance
- 💶 Significant savings: Production costs in Poland are often 20–40% lower than in Western Europe.
- 🇪🇺 Frictionless trade: Ireland and Poland are both in the EU Single Market - no tariffs, no customs clearance, no delays.
- 🏗️ Top categories: Windows/doors (joinery), furniture, steel structures, and finishing materials.
- 🚛 Fast logistics: 4–6 days transit time by road/ferry vs. 6+ weeks from Asia.
The current challenge for Irish businesses
Whether you are a property developer, an interior fit-out company, or a wholesaler, you are likely facing the same issues: rising material costs and unpredictable supply chains.
Sourcing locally in Ireland often means paying a premium for goods that were likely imported anyway. Sourcing from the UK has become complicated and costly post-Brexit due to customs declarations. Sourcing from Asia takes too long and carries quality risks.
This is why Poland has become the "factory of Europe" for smart Irish companies.
1. Price vs. Quality: The Sweet Spot
Poland is not about "cheap" quality; it is about cost-efficiency. The manufacturing technology in Polish factories (especially for windows, doors, and furniture) is often newer and more advanced than in Western Europe, thanks to massive EU investment subsidies over the last 20 years.
However, labor and energy costs remain lower. This allows you to buy premium, German-standard quality (e.g., Schüco, Salamander, Blum components) at a significantly lower price point.
Key takeaway: You aren't downgrading quality; you are removing the Western markup.
2. No Customs, No Headaches (The EU Advantage)
For Irish companies, importing from Poland is as legally simple as buying from Cork or Galway.
- Zero Tariffs: Both countries are in the EU Single Market.
- No Customs Borders: Goods move freely without stopping for clearance.
- VAT Simplicity: B2B transactions are subject to 0% VAT (Intra-Community Supply rules), improving your cash flow.
Unlike importing from the UK or China, there is no paperwork nightmare waiting at the port.
3. What should you import?
Poland is a global leader in specific sectors. If you deal in these products, you should be looking at Polish suppliers:
- Windows & Doors (Joinery): Poland is the #1 exporter of windows in the world. PVC, aluminum, and timber joinery is a specialty.
- Furniture & Fit-out: From flat-pack to bespoke hospitality joinery and shopfitting systems.
- Construction Materials: External wall insulation (EWI), roofing membranes, steel structures, and ceramic tiles.
- Lighting: High-end architectural LED systems.
4. The Logistics Factor
Poland is closer than you think. A truck from Warsaw to Dublin typically takes 4 to 6 days. Compare this to the 6–8 weeks required for sea freight from Asia. This speed allows you to keep leaner stock levels and react faster to project changes.
How Actitrade makes it easy
While the benefits are clear, the barriers can be real: language, supplier verification, and logistics for smaller orders.
This is where we step in. Actitrade is your bridge between Irish demand and Polish supply.
- Sourcing: We find manufacturers that match your spec and budget (not just the ones with good English SEO).
- Verification: We visit the factory so you don't have to.
- Consolidation: Buying from 3 different suppliers? We collect everything into our warehouse, pack it onto one pallet or truck, and ship it directly to you.
- Communication: You deal with us in English; we manage the Polish suppliers.
Ready to lower your project costs?
Stop overpaying for materials. Let us prepare a comparative quote for your next order.
- 📊 Get a quote: Send us your Bill of Quantities (BOQ) or spec list.
- 🔎 Sourcing request: Tell us what you are looking for.
Contact Actitrade to start saving.