New president, old business? What does Nawrocki mean for Polish exports?

From the election campaign to real decisions – what can President Nawrocki do for Polish exports? The USA, Asia and billion markets are waiting, and exporters from the Vistula are counting on a new impulse. I talk to Bożena Wróblewska, President of the Board of the Promotion Center of the National Chamber of Commerce, about the opportunities, risks and role of the head of the state in the economy.

Beata Anna Święcicka, “Wprost”: During the Sunday presidential elections, Poles chose the head of state. The president, Elekt, will also be represented for the next five years of his term on the international arena. How did the election of the new president of Poland affect the reactions of foreign markets – in particular in the USA? Can we talk about the increase in trust, uncertainty or continuation of previous trends?

Bożena Wróblewska, President of the Management Board of the Promotion Center of the National Chamber of Commerce: Foreign markets have adopted the election of President Nawrocki without excessive emotions. Polish economic and foreign policy is based on the great influence of the government, so the change of president did not cause violent reactions. The zloty exchange rate, which is important in international trade, including exports, remained stable, which suggests the lack of serious concerns about the direction of economic and foreign policy.

For business, this means, above all, the continuity of existing conditions for conducting export activities, which is crucial for international companies.

Will President Nawrocki be an active player in shaping transatlantic relations and cooperation with the USA in your opinion?

Although the main role in shaping foreign policy plays the government, President Nawrocki can actively support relations with the US, especially in the cultural, strategic and economic dimension.

President Nawrocki’s visit to Washington before the office and meeting with President Donald Trump were a clear signal, testifying to the desire to conduct direct dialogue with the current US administration. Such initiatives strengthen the message of the importance of the Polish-American alliance and promote the creation of favorable conditions for Polish interests. This is also important in the current international realities for the image of Poland in the USA and NATO.

The United States is a huge consumer market with a population of about 343 million people in 2025. For Polish producers-especially from the agri-food sector-the maintenance and development of access to the American market is of key importance, which is both absorbent and subject to regulatory requirements and customs barriers. Currently, projects promoting Polish food in the USA, addressed to importers, distributors and consumers. However, the real possibility of increasing exports depends on the US trade and tariff policy, which may be exacerbated at any time.

In this particular context, the active role of President Nawrocki in shaping relations with the US may be important to secure the interests of Polish producers and exporters.

Let’s not forget that we are subject to customs changes imposed on the entire European Union. However, supporting relationships with the American administration may conducive to maintaining favorable trade conditions and prevent or reduce the risk of introducing directional customs restrictions that could reduce the export of Polish products. For Polish producers, it is not only a promotion, but also the safety of access to the strategic market.

Do you think the choice of Karol Nawrocki as president means “new opening” in Poland’s relations with key partners in Asia, such as Japan, South Korea or Vietnam?

This is not so much a new opening, because we have very positive relations with the aforementioned countries, but possibly a chance for an additional impulse in relations. President Nawrocki can give contacts with Asia countries a larger symbolic and valuable dimension – which in Japan or South Korea, where history, cultural dialogue and memory counts, can be well received. Vietnam, in turn, is an extremely important economic partner, especially for Polish exports of agri-food products. The new president can support this direction through presence during visits, economic missions, patronts or diplomatic support of government activities in the area of ​​opening markets to our products and companies.

Still, in some sectors we are waiting for the full opening of Asian markets to specific Polish goods – both in the field of certification and access to distribution channels. The president, through his presence and commitment, may strengthen the arguments in favor of strengthening cooperation and accelerating administrative decisions on the side of Asian partners.

What place in the foreign policy of President Nawrocki may be occupied by economic cooperation and economic diplomacy with the countries of Southeast Asia? Is there space for enlargement and strengthening of commercial and investment ties?

Economic diplomacy is not formally the domain of the president, but his commitment can be of real importance. In ASEAN countries – such as Vietnam, Indonesia or Thailand – the participation of the head of state in the economic mission or official visit can significantly increase the weight and effectiveness of business talks. For Polish companies operating globally, especially in the agri-food, construction, technological or educational industry, Southeast Asia is a high growth region and insufficient potential.

If President Nawrocki supports government, local government and industry initiatives, an additional impulse for strengthening commercial cooperation, opening markets to awaiting products from Poland and the possible attraction of investors from this region may arise.

Thank you for the interview.