EN
The Research Institute of Economic Development of the Warsaw School of Economics has conducted business test surveys in trade sińce 1993. During the period 1994-1997 results of research have shown a very positive situation in polish trade, however there were short, seasonal periods of economic breakdown at the beginning of each year. However, the economic situation in trade has deteriorated starting from the third quarter of 1998 till the third quarter of 2002. During the tested period, foreign trade companies faced the most difficulties as compared to companies of different ownership. From the beginning of the period examined, four factors have limited improvements of economic situation of trade companies, these are: competition, insufficient demand, costs of labour and high interest rates.