Markets just across the Czech-Polish border are bustling again — and this time, it’s Czech shoppers driving the surge.

In towns like Zabelkówka, Polish traders report a sharp rise in business, especially on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

On the first Saturday of August, the market’s parking lot was overflowing, mostly with cars bearing Czech license plates. Queues formed at entrances, and vendors were busy serving a wave of returning customers.

Vendors say the most popular items are fresh vegetables, fruit, and pickled goods. “We’re happy Czechs are coming again,” said Małgorzata, a stallholder.

“They’re buying a lot of dill, blueberries, new potatoes, garlic, and onions.” Her stall offered potatoes at CZK 9 per kilo, and pickles at CZK 35.

“Poland is a major agricultural power,” says economist Tomáš Maier of the Czech University of Life Sciences. “There’s fierce competition, a large domestic market, and strong appeal for multinational companies.”

According to Maier, one key reason Polish food remains cheaper is the lower VAT rate.

“While Czechia taxes food at 12%, Germany applies just 7%, and in Poland, it’s only 5%,” he explained. In Slovakia, basic foodstuffs also benefit from a reduced 5% rate, but all other food products are taxed at 19%.

Beyond fruits and vegetables, Czechs are also after smoked meats, cheese, and pickled fish.

“I usually buy almonds, pistachios, and honey. It’s about 25% cheaper than back home,” said a young Czech mother. “Where else can I afford these prices?”

Czechs are also stocking up on household products. A 5-liter bottle of detergent or liquid soap costs just CZK 100, while 5.6 liters of washing gel sells for CZK 120.

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