State and prospects of foreign trade activities of Ukraine in war conditions

Abstract

For Ukraine, foreign economic activity has always been an important component of the successful development of the state, its economy and society. Today, the role of foreign trade is growing in connection with Ukraine's desire to join the European Union, establish mutually beneficial trade with EU countries, take a worthy place in economic integration processes, and prove itself as a reliable and worthy partner.
Examining the dynamics of the ratio of export and import of Ukraine in recent years, it becomes obvious that along with the growth of the volume of export-import operations, imports into Ukraine in recent years have been chronically ahead of exports, and their difference sometimes reaches 8% of GDP. In the product structure of exports, it is possible to note a significant predominance of agricultural products and food products.
In addition to grain, other goods, in particular metal, are also exported this way. After the launch of the alternative sea corridor, the export of products of this group increased. Ukraine increased its export by container transportation +86% by rail transport and +36% by road. It is now the most efficient mode of transport for value-added products.
During 2021-2023, a negative balance was noted for the main groups of goods in the commodity structure of Ukraine's foreign trade.
With the joint efforts of the Ukrainian Government and international partners, exports by sea transport are also increasing. In December 2023, compared to November, this indicator increased by a third and amounted to 7 million 340 thousand tons of cargo. In general, in 2023, Ukraine exported by sea almost 1 million tons more than in 2022. For the successful development of international trade, an extremely important task is the preparation of norms that determine the legal basis of foreign economic activity and their regulation; determination of export regime, rules of import and export of goods; adoption of measures to protect the interests of the state for participation in the FEZ.
One of the main tasks that stand in the way of overcoming problems in international trade is to increase the purchase of licenses for the latest technologies, equipment and machines to increase the competitiveness of domestic manufacturing enterprises. In addition, it is important to simplify the passage of customs control of raw materials, which are necessary for the production of domestic goods of primary importance.
Ensuring the competence of specialists participating in international trade is no less important.
In today's conditions, when Ukraine aspires to join the European Union, it is important to focus efforts on increasing the competitiveness of domestic producers. For this, it is necessary to gradually move away from the export of food and agricultural products, which account for almost two-thirds of Ukraine's exports, to the production and export of goods with a high added value. The civilized world seeks stabilization and successful development of international trade. Ukraine remains a sovereign participant in this process. Ukraine, even in conditions of war, supplies strategically important products to world markets, imports goods that are necessary for the modernization of the economy, the military-industrial complex and to meet the needs of the population.