INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN AGRI-FOOD PRODUCTS IN THE CONTEXT OF REGIONAL PECULIARITIES AND INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

Abstract

This paper examines world trade in agri-food products in the context of international economic integration. This is due to the importance of foreign trade for the economic development of countries, especially in the context of globalisation, the increase in the number of integration groups whose participation affects the terms of trade of their member and non-member countries, and the aggravation of the food crisis. The purpose of this article is to identify the state and trends of world trade in agri-food products, taking into account regional characteristics and the participation of countries in integration groupings, and to determine their role in the future. Methodology. The research is based on a comparison of parts of individual regions and integration groups in world trade, identifying trends and features. The publication uses the methods of analysis, synthesis, generalisation, comparative assessment, and graphical methods, in particular, to identify the main trends, draw conclusions, etc. Results. The study shows that world trade in agri-food products is growing significantly, both globally and by region. The countries of Europe and the Americas are the main exporters, but the countries of Asia, South and Central America and Africa are the fastest growing exporters. However, the main suppliers remain the member countries of the most advanced integration groupings - the European Union, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). It is proposed to divide the main exporters into regions, integration groups and countries. The issue of food security is one of the most important in modern conditions and within the integration groups. It is advisable that they contribute to some extent to solving this problem at the regional level and in relation to third countries. To this end, it is advisable to develop measures to provide food aid to countries affected by natural disasters, climate change or other adverse circumstances on several fronts: within integration groups, in the region and at the global level. These groups are expected to remain among the largest suppliers of agri-food products in the future, and one of the main reasons for this is their participation in integration groups, which facilitates the liberalisation of the movement of new technologies, in particular to the agricultural sector.