Analysis of the relative efficiency in the trade balance of the departments of Colombia

Introduction: This study analyzed indicators from Colombian departments to establish the inputs and outputs necessary for Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The trade balance served as the basis for this study, as it is a key indicator of regional economic performance. Objective: Key trade balance indicators were identified and analyzed, as well as other relevant factors influencing departmental economic efficiency. Methodology: A quantitative and descriptive approach was used to collect and organize data from the last five years, aimed at understanding logistics infrastructure and trade flows. Results: The findings revealed a high concentration of efficiency in the central and western departments of the country, revealing marked structural differences between regions. Discussion: The quality and inconsistency of the different official database sources represented the main obstacle to the study. This indicated that the greatest challenge was collecting and constructing a reliable database prior to the application of the analytical model. Conclusion: A structured and comprehensive database was successfully developed, which was essential for the subsequent stages of the study and for the analysis of the commercial efficiency of Colombian departments, with Bogotá emerging as the most efficient city.