The Oligopolistic Structure of the Cement Market in Poland after Complete Takeover by Foreign Capital
Purpose: The purpose of this article is to analyse the structure and degree of concentration of the Polish cement market and to assess whether it exhibits persistent oligopolistic characteristics in the context of increasing integration into global value chains and evolving competitive pressures. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study applies a quantitative analysis of market structure based on firms’ financial data, in particular sales revenues derived from financial statements. Market concentration is assessed using the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) and concentration ratio (CRk), while structural stability over time is evaluated using the Proportional Similarity Index (PSI). The analysis covers the period 2019–2024. Findings: The results confirm that the Polish cement market is highly concentrated and exhibits stable oligopolistic features. The leading firms maintain dominant market positions over time, and structural changes are limited, as evidenced by consistently high PSI values. The sector remains strongly influenced by a small number of multinational corporations integrated into global production networks. Practical Implications: The findings highlight the need for continued antitrust monitoring and competition policy enforcement in the cement sector. Given the high level of concentration and history of anti-competitive conduct, regulatory oversight remains essential to ensure effective competition and to protect downstream users such as the construction industry. Originality/Value: The article contributes to the literature by combining traditional concentration measures with a structural similarity approach to assess both the level and stability of market concentration in a capital-intensive, oligopolistic industry. It also provides updated empirical evidence on the Polish cement market in the context of global integration and environmental cost pressures.