ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE OF IMPORT ACTIVITY IN THE NATIONAL ECONOMY

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of Ukraine's import activity under martial law and post-war economic recovery. The dynamics of foreign trade in goods in 2022–2024, changes in the commodity and geographical structure of imports are considered. The main trends in import operations are identified, in particular, an increase in the share of machinery and equipment, chemical products and food products, as well as a reduction in imports of fuel and energy resources. The import structure of 2024 demonstrates a clear Eurocentric orientation of Ukraine: half of all imports come from the EU. At the same time, the growing role of China and the USA reflects the diversification of trade relations and the desire to attract modern technologies and equipment from different markets. The share of the CIS countries is practically absent, which indicates the completion of the process of reorienting foreign trade. Such an import structure contributes to strengthening economic stability and increasing the level of integration of Ukraine into the world economy, especially towards the EU and leading world economies. Due to the reorientation of trade to the west and the restriction of maritime transportation due to military operations, the structure of transportation of import flows has also change. It is crucial to understand that neither importing nor exporting is inherently more profitable. Both activities thrive in a booming economy, and an imbalance between them can have disastrous consequences. Achieving a balance between imports and exports is critical for a healthy economic ecosystem. The main problems that hinder the development of import activity are identified - inflationary processes, increasing logistics costs, a deficit in financing critical imports and a weakening of the competitiveness of national production. Directions for improving the import management system are proposed, in particular, the implementation of effective monitoring, the development of a national import control strategy and the creation of a flexible ecosystem of interaction between the state and business to ensure the economic stability of the country.