Cluster Analysis of Agricultural Input Imports in Colombia: An Approach Based on International Economics and Trade Agreements

Lina Mayerly Lozano-SuarezFabian Alexander Torres-CárdenasRafael Rojas-Gualdrón

DOI 10.7160/aol.2026.180204
No 2/2026, June
pp. 47-70

Lozano-Suarez, L. M., Torres-Cárdenas, F. A. and Rojas-Gualdrón, R. (2026) "Cluster Analysis of Agricultural Input Imports in Colombia: An Approach Based on International Economics and Trade Agreements", AGRIS on-line Papers in Economics and Informatics, Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 47-70. ISSN 1804-1930. DOI 10.7160/aol.2026.180204.

Abstract

This study analyzes geoeconomic patterns in Colombian imports of agricultural inputs by applying the k-means algorithm to the CIF value and gross weight complemented by an analysis of trade agreements and tariffs. The results show high dependence on a few suppliers such as Russia and the US for fertilizers and China for technology, even without preferential agreements; On the other hand, the limited effectiveness of FTAs was analysed, where tariff reduction did not generate diversification of critical suppliers; opportunities for diversification with medium-sized suppliers such as Brazil in animal feed; and the relevance of the European Union in veterinary medicines, agricultural technology, fertilizers, and seeds. The methodology integrates data from DIAN (2005-2024) and five-year analyses, showing that competitiveness in prices and logistics outweighs tariff advantages, China dominates 65% of the CIF value in technology and Russia and the United States consistently accounted for over 60% of the CIF value and gross weight of fertilizers. Regulatory, trade, and innovation policies are proposed to reduce the risk of input shortages in agri-food value chains.

Keywords

Agribusiness, agricultural policy, rural development, cluster analysis, agricultural trade, import.

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