CURRENT STATE OF FOREIGN TRADE IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS: LIVESTOCK AND CROP GROWING IN THE CONDITIONS OF ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

The state of foreign trade in agricultural goods, in particular in Ukraine, is experiencing significant changes under the influence of economic challenges, including global market fluctuations, political conflicts and changes in demand. In 2023, Ukraine’s agricultural sector demonstrated some resilience, despite serious losses due to the war. According to estimates, agricultural exports reach 67.5 million tons, which is 15% more than in 2022, although export trade decreased by 8% to $ 21.9 billion due to falling prices and high logistics costs. Economic challenges, such as the war in Ukraine and global climate change, significantly affect the agricultural sector. In Ukraine, direct losses to the agro-industrial complex are estimated at $ 8.7 billion. This is necessary before the need to adapt export and import strategies. In 2023, Ukraine's agri-food exports reached significant volumes, in particular, grain crops such as corn and wheat remain the main export commodities.

Our country's agricultural trade plays a crucial role in foreign trade. The country has major obstacles to the export of agricultural products due to martial law. It is expected that in the era of digitalization, people will be able to search for agricultural products using information technology to ensure quality and safety and quickly buy their favorite agricultural products.

The number of exports to neighboring countries has decreased, but the export market is still relatively concentrated. On the contrary, the level of concentration of the import market is still increasing, so domestic agricultural products are in an unstable situation. The article analyzes seasonally adjusted volumes of foreign trade in goods in 2018-2023 (exports and imports), exports and imports of live animals and animal products, exports and imports of fats and oils of animal or vegetable origin, imports and exports of prepared food products, exports and imports of vegetable products.

The state of foreign trade in agricultural products in Ukraine has shown the resilience of the sector to economic challenges. Further development depends on adaptation to new conditions and intensification of cooperation with international partners.

Keywords: export, import, foreign trade in goods, agricultural products, livestock, crop production