ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE OF THE UKRAINIAN FISH MARKET

Abstract

The fishing industry is an important component of the state's food security, as it provides the population with protein products and supports the development of the food industry. Fish and fish products are biologically valuable, as they are a source of easily digestible proteins, biologically active lipids, a large number of essential macro- and microelements, vitamins that ensure metabolic processes in the human body. In conditions of martial law and economic instability, an analysis of the current state of the fish market is critically important for assessing risks and opportunities for its recovery. The purpose of the article is to study the current state of the fish market of Ukraine, including production, import, export and consumption of fish, products of fish and aquatic bioresources. The material for the study was statistical data from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the State Agency of Ukraine for the Development of Land Reclamation, Fisheries and Food Programs, and international organizations (FAO) on fish farming issues. A systematic analysis of the volumes of industrial fishing and aquaculture was conducted. At present (2023–2024), the production of aquatic biological resources, although it has a certain tendency to grow, remains 5 times lower compared to the period before the military aggression of the russian federation (2010–2014). A study of the volumes of domestic fish production, the ratio of imports and exports of fish and fish products showed that the Ukrainian market is completely import-dependent. In particular, a negative trade balance was established – import volumes in 2024 amounted to 1089,7 million USD, while exports – 56,7 million USD. In 2024, Ukraine mainly exported the following commodity items: fish fillets and other fish meat (28,7%), prepared or canned fish, caviar (17,9%) and shellfish (10,7%). The basis of imports is marine fish species, the extraction of which is not carried out within the framework of domestic industrial fishing. The level of fish consumption among Ukrainians is lower than the European average and has significant geographical fluctuations. Analyzing the current situation on the domestic fish market, it could be concluded that the fishing industry of Ukraine, although it has suffered significant losses as a result of military aggression, gradually adapts to new conditions and has prospects for the development.