import

Introduction. The importance of food industry in the economy of the Saratov region is great, its role due to the influence of various factors is growing. In this regard, there is a task to assess the current state and prospects of food products export from the region. Theoretical analysis. It is associated with the identification of the optimal ratio between domestic consumption, export to other regions and export of food products abroad. Empirical analysis. The contribution of the food industry and crop production to the Saratov region economy is analyzed. The geographical features of food products’ export and import (by Federal districts) are considered.The correlation between export to other Russian regions, export and domestic consumption of certain types of products, especially vegetable oils, flour, cereals and pasta is analyzed. The dynamics of certain types of products’ production is considered in connection with the region’s economy transformation. The role of sanctions policy and import substitution in this transformation is assessed. Results. The advanced development of the agro-industrial complex and the food industry as sectors in which it is relatively easy to form economic ties for the processing of plant raw materials and the production of finished products is shown. The main direction of food products export from the region is the Central Federal district.