STRATEGIC MECHANISMS FOR BUILDING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF UKRAINE’S AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS IN GLOBAL MARKETS AMID GLOBAL TRANSFORMATIONS

Abstract

This article examines the theoretical, methodological, and practical foundations for developing strategic mechanisms to ensure the competitiveness of Ukraine’s agricultural products in global markets amid contemporary global transformations. It is argued that the transformation of the international economic environment, increased geopolitical instability, changes in the configuration of global value chains, the acceleration of digitalization, stricter environmental requirements for food production, and the growing importance of food security are shaping new conditions for the agricultural sector’s operation, under which traditional price-based competitive advantages no longer ensure long-term positions in international markets. It has been demonstrated that the competitiveness of modern agricultural products is determined by a combination of production, technological, institutional, logistical, financial, marketing, and organizational factors, which must function as a single, strategically coordinated system.  The study employed systemic, structural-functional, institutional, strategic, comparative, and comprehensive approaches, which enabled the development of a holistic view of the mechanisms for ensuring the international competitiveness of agricultural products. The study identified key global transformations that most significantly influence the development of Ukrainian agricultural exports, including military risks, changes in global logistics, climate challenges, the digitalization of international trade, stricter environmental regulations, and the reorientation of international food markets. The paper demonstrates the need to transition from a predominantly raw-material-based export model to a model focused on high-value-added products, emphasizing innovation, quality, traceability, international certification, and effective marketing. A conceptual approach is proposed for developing a strategic mechanism to enhance the competitiveness of agricultural products, which integrates production and technological, export, financial and investment, institutional, logistical, marketing, and risk-oriented mechanisms. The paper justifies directions for improving state policy regarding the stimulation of exports of agro-industrial complex products, the development of modern logistics infrastructure, support for agricultural innovations, the integration of Ukrainian producers into global value chains, and the strengthening of the international competitiveness of domestic products.