The success of today’s steel industry is therefore despite rather than because of the communist era. By looking at the situation within each sector of Poland’s steel industry today, we can get a better idea of where it is headed. After good results in 2004, 2005 was more a year of good intentions. Several issues arising from overcapacity were solved through rigorous structural changes and further international consolidation, allowing international supply to dip closer to demand. The prices of finished products began to correspond to market value, helping to make Polish producers profitable for another year. 2005 and 2006 are witnessing the production output of the Polish steel industry creep ever closer to a market-based orientation rather than volume-based.