Desempeño Exportador del Sector Agrícola de Santander 2014-2024

Abstract

The research problem lies in the limitations facing Santander's agricultural sector regarding productivity, productive transformation, diversification, logistics infrastructure, and access to international markets, despite the region's inherent agricultural potential. The primary objective was to evaluate the export performance of Santander's agricultural sector between 2014 and 2024, considering the evolution of exportable supply, the level of productive transformation, destination markets, production and logistics factors, bargaining power, and support mechanisms for internationalization. A quantitative, descriptive, and non-experimental study was conducted using official foreign trade statistics. The analysis covered export values and volumes, products and tariff classifications, technology levels, destination markets, and other variables. Results showed that agricultural exports rose from approximately USD 85 million in 2014 to USD 169 million in 2024, with the number of exported products increasing from 59 to 108. Nevertheless, primary goods accounted for 94.7% of the total export value. The United States was the primary market, where cocoa and Tahiti limes demonstrated established comparative advantages. Significant increases in logistics costs and a lagging position for Santander relative to other departments were also observed. The findings reveal an export structure heavily reliant on primary products and concentrated markets. While recent signs of diversification and increased transformation are evident, achieving international competitiveness requires strengthening productive sophistication, market diversification, logistics efficiency, and the coordination of public internationalization instruments.