The Impact of the Economic Situation on Individual Consumption in Poland in 2015–2019

Abstract

Purpose of the article: Presents the development of individual consumption in five years 2015–2019 in Poland as a result of an improved economic situation. In particular, the favorable macroeconomic conditions for the development of the Polish economy were indicated, including the implementation of several social programs.

Research methods: Quantitative research of a secondary and primary nature. Secondary data were collected and systematized from the sources of available statistics of the Central Statistical Office for the years 2015–2019 and, for comparison, for the previous period – from 2012. The primary data comes from the proprietary survey conducted on a sample of 215 households.

Main findings: Consumption of Polish households in 2015–2019 stabilized its growth under the influence of favorable socio-economic conditions. The development of the Polish economy throughout the period of market transformations brought it closer to the standards of the European Union, including in the area of individual consumption. However, it differs from highly developed countries by the still high share of food consumption in total household expenditure and a lower share of expenditure on services. It takes place with a significant increase in the income of households in the analyzed period, which influenced the rationalization of food consumption and an increase in the equipment of households with new generation durable goods.