The latest data shows that May purchase prices of cow's milk in Poland continue the downward trend that has been ongoing since January 2026. The national average is 1.80 PLN/litre (180.42 PLN/hl) - a decrease of 1.2% vs. April and? 20.0% below May 2025 levels (2.26 PLN/liter). On an annual basis, this means a difference of 0.45 PLN on each liter of milk ? an amount that translates into a real, painful decline in revenue for an average farm.
Regional Diversity – Podlaskie Still a Leader
The highest prices have been recorded for months Podlaskie Voivodeship ? 1.95 PLN/litre, which is over 8% above the national average. This is the result of a strong concentration of large, specialized dairy farms and a well-developed purchasing and processing infrastructure in the region. Next in line were: Lublin Voivodeship (1.82 z?/l) and Subcarpathian Voivodeship (1.81 z?/l).
At the opposite extreme remains Lodz Voivodeship from prices? 1.67 PLN/liter ? the lowest in the country. Not much higher are Pomeranian Voivodeship (1.69 z?/l) and Holy Cross (1.70 PLN/l).
The range between the most expensive and cheapest region is 0.28 PLN/liter, or over 16% difference in the price paid to producers - within one common national market. This shows the important role played by local infrastructure, farm structure, and the power of processors in a given region.
Month-on-month comparison – the pace of decline is accelerating
The month-on-month decline of 1.2% is clearly deeper than in April (-0.3%) and March (-1.7% according to earlier data). This is a signal that supply pressure typical of the spring season (flush season) is still strongly affecting the domestic market, more strongly than expected just a month ago.
Year-on-year comparison – deep correction continues
The year-on-year decline of -20.0% puts Poland in a difficult situation compared to Europe – for comparison, the EU average in May 2026 fell by 19.7% year-on-year, an almost identical figure. The Polish milk market is therefore closely following the pan-European price correction trend, without any clear signs of the resilience observed in previous months.
Conclusions and predictions
Several factors will be key to how the situation develops:
Firstly, the end of the spring seasonMay and June are historically the peak months for milk production in Poland and Europe. As cows transition from intensive grazing to the more stable mode of summer production, milk supply should begin to naturally decrease, which traditionally supports prices in the second half of the year.
Secondly, cost pressure on farmsAt current purchase prices, the profitability of many milk producers in Poland is under serious pressure. This could result in a reduction in herd size in some regions, which would limit supply and support prices in the medium term.
Thirdly, export and global situationForeign demand for Polish dairy products – especially in Asian markets – will have a significant impact on whether domestic purchase prices begin to stabilize in the third quarter.
Despite the challenging May reading, there is reason for moderate optimism: the approaching end of the high supply season is a natural mechanism that has repeatedly supported price rebounds in the summer and fall in the past. June and July will be crucial in confirming whether this scenario will also materialize in 2026.
Follow our blog – we regularly update data and analyze the market situation. Let us know in the comments what purchase prices are like in your region and whether they align with the Central Statistical Office data!
