Methodical approaches to the analysis of sugar market conditions

Abstract

The article is devoted to the methodical approaches to the analysis of sugar market conditions. It is argued that the leading role in comprehensive studies of the market of agricultural products and food belongs to the analysis of its conjuncture, which determines the quantitative parameters of development and the general qualitative characteristics of market state. However, the category of «market conditions» has not been unambiguously defined yet. Views on the subject, methods and goals of market research are expressed by representatives of different schools. The main groups of analysis indicators and sugar market conditions forecast have been allocated: production indicators; indicators of domestic turnover; indicators of foreign trade; indicators of the dynamics and price level; financial indicators that allow taking into account the impact of factors and conditions combination of the external and internal environment of market entities. The author notes that in foreign practice, business activity indices (dynamics of the main characteristics of production of goods, inventories, prices) are often used to assess market conditions. It is noted that in order to analyze the conjuncture of any market for agricultural products and food, the indicators of the general economic situation are evaluated, that is, the level of employment in general and by individual industries, the total volume of investments and the volume of investments by industries, etc. It is proved that in modern conditions the role and importance of studying the processes taking place in the market of agricultural products and food are constantly growing. The study of trends in the development of the agricultural market, factors of influence, cause-and-effect relationships and consequences of possible changes, allows to form an information and analytical base for determining priority strategic directions, developing a mechanism for implementing the selected strategies. It is concluded that a comprehensive study of the sugar market is a necessary prerequisite for the formation of a strategy and tactics for its development and includes the collection, analysis, evaluation and interpretation of data on the state, trends and prospects of its development. In order to conduct a comprehensive study of the sugar market and obtain clear information, it is most expedient, in the author`s opinion, to use the following methodological principles: purposefulness; comprehensiveness; consistency; systematic; dynamism; taking into account sectoral and territorial specifics; objectivity; efficiency. Key words: agricultural and food market, sugar market, market research, supply and demand.