INTEGRATION OF CUSTOMS, LOGISTICS AND FOREIGN ECONOMIC MECHANISMS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical and practical aspects of integrating customs, logistics, and foreign economic mechanisms into the international trade system. The growing complexity of global supply chains, the increasing requirements for transparency and speed in cross-border operations, and the need to harmonize national regulatory frameworks with international standards underscore the importance of coordinated interaction among customs procedures, logistics processes, and foreign trade regulatory instruments. The study substantiates that the integration of these mechanisms optimizes international goods flows, reduces transaction and logistics costs, accelerates customs clearance procedures, and strengthens the competitiveness of participants in foreign economic activity. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the current trends in Ukraine’s international trade development under conditions of economic transformation and European integration. The research identifies key integration mechanisms, including the digitalization of customs procedures; the implementation of electronic declaration systems; the “Single Window” concept; harmonization of customs legislation with EU standards; the development of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) system; and the modernization of multimodal transport and logistics infrastructure. It has been demonstrated that the coordinated implementation of these measures improves the efficiency and resilience of international supply chains, expands enterprises' access to foreign markets, and enhances the national economy's transit potential. At the same time, the study highlights the main risks associated with integrating customs, logistics, and foreign economic mechanisms, particularly technical, financial, operational, and regulatory challenges that may affect the effectiveness of foreign trade operations, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. The results of the research confirm that the establishment of an integrated customs and logistics management system based on digital technologies, institutional harmonization, and infrastructure development is a key prerequisite for enhancing the effectiveness of international trade and strengthening national economies' position in global markets. The paper outlines directions for further research on developing evaluation models to assess the effectiveness of integrated customs and logistics systems and their impact on international trade performance indicators.