# Strategic economic cooperation between Poland and the US expands Trade and investment relations between the two countries are entering a new phase. - **Source:** [McKinsey Insights](https://www.mckinsey.com/insights) - **Published:** 2026-07-20 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/98afa4c7-6225-4cad-a775-ec3dd3c832fc ## Evolution of cooperation Economic relations between Poland and the US have significantly evolved over the past 30 years. Initially focused on manufacturing and trade, the partnership has gradually expanded to include professional services, technology, infrastructure, energy, and defense. During this process, Poland has become an increasingly important location in European strategies for international investors. ## Poland's economic strength Poland remains one of Europe's fastest-growing major economies. Since the beginning of its economic transformation, GDP per capita has increased nearly sevenfold. Its 37-million-strong domestic market and full integration into the EU's Single Market of 450 million people make it a strategic location for regional and international operations. ## Trade and investment figures Since Poland joined NATO, bilateral trade with the US has grown more than tenfold, exceeding $26 billion annually. The US is now the second-largest foreign investor in Poland in terms of FDI stock. Over 1,600 US-capital companies operate in Poland, employing approximately 329,000 people. ## Human capital advantage One of Poland's key competitive advantages is its skilled workforce. The country ranks among Europe's leaders in the number of STEM graduates. However, demographic pressures, rising labor costs, and talent competition indicate that Poland's future competitiveness will depend more on productivity, innovation, and skills development than cost advantages alone. ## Investor perspectives Most US companies in Poland view the country as attractive for further investment. Three-quarters of survey respondents reported expanding their operations over the past five years, with most planning to increase investment in the medium term. Companies identify talent quality, market potential, and macroeconomic stability as Poland's key strengths. ## Priority areas for the future The report identifies six key areas for future Poland-US economic cooperation: digital technologies and AI, energy transition, defense industry, advanced manufacturing and electronics, professional services, and financing large-scale development projects. In these areas, Poland's transformation needs align closely with US companies' expertise and technologies. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.mckinsey.com/pl/en/our-insights/partnership-for-the-decades-ahead — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._