Annotation: The article provides an analysis of internal and external factors influencing the development of Ukraine's light industry in modern times, highlighting the industry's significance in terms of employment and overall industrial development. It is determined that the light industry is an important type of industrial activity with social orientation. It is identified that the operating conditions of industry enterprises have significantly complicated due to Ukraine's entry into the World Trade Organization and the opening of internal markets. The dominant practice of cooperation between Ukrainian light industry enterprises and non-residents under the conditions of processing of raw materials supplied by the latter is noted, which leads to non-receipt of funds and does not create opportunities for their modernization.