The Army is Purchasing Imported Fish: Why Ukrainian Fish is Being Ignored

The Issue of Import Substitution in the Food Supply for the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Ukrainian companies engaged in fish processing emphasize the problem of import substitution in supplying food products for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to the head of the 'First Fish Exchange' public organization, Ruslan Melnyk, the military mainly buys foreign fish, such as hake fillet, despite having domestic resources that could fully meet their needs with Ukrainian silver carp.

Melnyk emphasizes that there are about 48 processing enterprises in the industry that can supply high-quality products for the army. He claims that discriminatory requirements for Ukrainian fish products in tender documentation stimulate imports.

Currently, most of the fish purchased for the army is foreign. Ukrainian enterprises have all the capabilities to supply domestic products, but discrimination in tenders makes them less attractive compared to imports.

Addressing Supply Conditions

Melnyk calls for a review of the tender requirements for purchasing fish for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, providing equal conditions for Ukrainian producers and supporting import substitution policy in army food supply by prioritizing domestic production.

This approach not only contradicts support for domestic producers but also leads to Ukrainian funds 'working for the foreign economy,' Melnyk noted.

Leading Ukrainian fish processing companies emphasize the importance of import substitution in supplying food to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Despite the presence of domestic resources, the army mainly purchases imported fish, which requires attention and a revival of national production. Regulation and support for Ukrainian producers could change the situation for the better.