Current trends in meat price formation

Abstract
The article examines the main trends in meat price formation.It is determined that the methodology and tradition of price functioning have evolved historically in terms of understanding the nature and characteristics of the price. The level of product price contains the conflicting interests of different parts (producer and consumer). It is generalized that the formation of livestock products prices is influenced by supply and demand.It is confirmed that price is a factor that creates demand in case of the low consumers’ purchasing power. The process of prices forming on livestock products is based on the general principles of pricing. However, there are certain features of pricing stipulated from the specifics of production and processing of livestock products.Among the main factors influencing the prices formation on livestock products should be noted the following: natural and climatic conditions, price disparity in agriculture, the presence of a large number of households which deal with raising cattle and poultry,high level of production costs, the presence of multiple links in the production chain, a short period of product storage, a large proportion of low-income population.It is proved that the livestock product prices in market conditions must respond quickly to any changes in the production chain. The analysis of the price situation on the meat market was carried out.It was found that in Ukraine during the study period there is a tendency of increasing purchasing, wholesale and consumer prices.In the first half-year of 2020, there were significant changes in the price situation.The results confirm the trends at the world meat market.It is proved that the situation at the domestic meat market depends on the state of the global market. It is noted that in the future the price situation at the meat market will depend on the purchasing power of the population, the proposal of main meat types, the exchange rate of the national currency, production and export volumes. Keywords: price, demand, supply, meat market, purchase prices, wholesale prices, consumer prices, beef, pork, poultry meat.