The Russian economy is now closely linked and largely depends on the existing relationships with other countries. Devaluation of the ruble in 2014 and subsequent decline in living standards contribute to contraction of demand in almost all consumer markets in the country. However, this may be an impetus to development of industries which products are potentially interesting for export to other countries, in particular, to China. Despite the slowdown in growth, China’s economy remains one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which significantly affects the welfare of the country’s population. An important trend has been urbanization of the population during recent decades. In accordance with this, the consumer habits and interests of the Chinese population have changed: the demand for Western, non-traditional food products is growing, e-commerce is developing, consumers are becoming more demanding about the quality and characteristics of food. At the same time, food exports from Russia to China are increasing. Active growth of supplies is observed for frozen fish and seafoods, seeds of oil crops, vegetable oil of various kinds, confectionery, chocolate products, and other products. The Chinese food market is extremely capacious and promising for Russian producers. However, the development of trade in this area is hampered by restrictions still remaining on supply of agricultural products to the export market. Russian producers will need a lot of efforts in order to take a strong position on the largest food market in the world.

The article is devoted to the assessment of the impact of the food industry of the Trans-Baikal territory on the food security of the region. A study based on the actual state of the industry showed that its development is impossible without improving the situation in agriculture. The presence of a large volume of products imported into the Trans-Baikal Territory indicates a strong dependence of its economy on external supplies. A partial solution of the problem is possible on condition of creation of agro-holdings in the region covering the full cycle production of food products from cultivation of raw materials to reception of final product.

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