The IHS Markit purchasing managers' index for manufacturing rose to 48.7 in March from 47.6 in February, above the 47.6 expected by analysts in a Reuters poll but below the 50 level that separates growth from contraction.
The result marked a four-month high, but nevertheless new export business posted its strongest fall since June 2009.
"It is unclear whether the Polish manufacturing sector turned a corner in March," said Trevor Balchin, Director at IHS Markit, which compiles the Poland Manufacturing PMI survey.
"With the German manufacturing sector experiencing a stronger downturn in March (according to the flash estimate), it is likely that Poland will continue to be impacted by the weakness of its western neighbour in the short term."