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Research article / 2025, Vol. 16, No. 2, pages 09 - 25
Impacto del comercio internacional en la relación
Colombia-China: un análisis de publicaciones académicas y revisión bibliométrica (2014-2024)
Authors:
Harold Anderson Bustamante Matoma Jorge Yesid Vargas González Universidad ECCI, Colombia
Correspondence:
Harold Anderson Bustamante Matoma abustamantem@ecci.edu.co
Recibido: 13 - Marzo - 2025
Aprobado: 16 - Julio - 2025
Publicación en línea: 29 - Diciembre - 2025
How to cite this article: Bustamante Matoma, H. A. y Vargas González, J. Y . (2025). Impact of international trade on the Colombia-China relationship: An analysis
of academic publications and bibliometric review (2014-
2024). Maskana, 16(2), 09-25. https://doi.org/10.18537/ mskn.16.02.01
doi: 10.18537/mskn.16.02.01
© Author(s) 2025. Attribution-NonCommercial- ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
Impact of international trade on the Colombia-China relationship: An analysis of academic publications and bibliometric review (2014-2024)
Impacto del comercio internacional en la relación Colombia- China: un análisis de publicaciones académicas y revisión bibliométrica (2014-2024)
International trade is essential for the development and prosperity of countries’ economies, boosting their growth and strengthening their position in the global arena. This study analyzed trends in research production focused on relations and cooperation agreements between Colombia and China during the period 2014-2024. A qualitative approach was employed through a bibliometric review using the SCOPUS database. Exclusion criteria were established to avoid bias, resulting in a sample of 69 documents. The results revealed a growing interest in this topic, evidenced by an increase in citations worldwide. It was concluded that there is a need to enhance future research on the impact of international trade on the development of both economies.
El comercio internacional es fundamental para el desarrollo y la prosperidad de las economías de los países, impulsando su crecimiento y fortaleciendo su posición en el ámbito global. Este estudio analizó las tendencias en la producción investigativa sobre las relaciones y acuerdos de cooperación entre Colombia y China durante el periodo 2014-2024. Se utilizó un enfoque cualitativo mediante una revisión bibliométrica en la base de datos SCOPUS. Se establecieron criterios de exclusión para evitar sesgos, generando una muestra de 69 documentos. Los resultados mostraron un creciente interés en este tema, evidenciado por el aumento en las citas a nivel mundial. Se concluyó que es necesario incrementar la investigación futura sobre el impacto del comercio internacional en el desarrollo de ambas economías.
Harold Anderson Bustamante Matoma, Jorge Yesid Vargas González
Introduction
International trade plays a crucial role in the integration of economies and the reduction of disparities between developed and developing countries. Through trade liberalization, countries can access new technologies, knowledge, and investment opportunities, which can improve productivity, diversify exports, and generate quality employment (Hirschman, 2024). In this context, the impact of international trade on national growth has become a highly relevant topic on the global agenda. Bustamante et al. (2022) have demonstrated that countries actively engaged in international trade tend to experience greater long-term economic growth. Therefore, it is essential to analyze in detail the positive and negative effects of international trade on economies to design effective policies that maximize its benefits and minimize its risks.
In the case of Colombia, the adoption of an expansionist economic model has led to significant advances in various sectors, resulting in the internationalization of its industries, as evidenced by the results of its trade balance (González, 2014). Conversely, China has implemented a series of economic reforms and trade agreements that have allowed its economy to expand rapidly. These policies have facilitated foreign investment and promoted the internationalization of Chinese companies, leading to a significant increase in exports and an improvement in the country’s trade balance. Furthermore, the Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to connect Asia with Europe and beyond, is a clear example of how China is leveraging international trade as a tool to strengthen its global influence and promote economic development in other countries (Toro & Tijmes, 2020).
However, the growth of international trade also presents challenges, particularly in the form of trade tensions, such as those that have arisen between China and other countries. It is therefore crucial to examine the trends in trade relations between Colombia and China to address these challenges and maximize the benefits
of international trade. In this environment, it is essential to understand that the impact of international trade is not an isolated factor but a system that interacts holistically with other exogenous factors that influence the development of fairer, more equitable, and sustainable trade.
To address the gap in the existing literature and examine the nuanced relationship between Colombia and China and its impact on international trade, a bibliometric review analysis of the scientific literature related to this trade relationship during the period 2014- 2024 was conducted. Given the relevance of these reviews, the analysis can be strengthened with insights that illustrate and influence trade between these two countries. The importance of bibliometric studies lies in their ability to identify trends, opportunities, and potential areas for improvement in the trade relationship between Colombia and China, thereby contributing to the strengthening of international trade strategies for both countries. Additionally, such analyses generate new hypotheses and research avenues that enhance our understanding of this bilateral relationship. According to Andrés (2009), the significance of bibliometric studies lies in their applicability across different disciplines, allowing for scientific production that can inform decision-making at governmental and business levels.
In light of these considerations, this study aims to explore specific hypotheses regarding how international trade dynamics between Colombia and China have evolved over time. By focusing on key indicators such as publication frequency, citation patterns, and thematic trends within the literature from 2014 to 2024, we seek to uncover underlying factors that may influence future collaborations between these nations. This exploration will not only contribute to academic discourse but also provide actionable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance bilateral relations through informed strategies. Ultimately, we aim to answer critical research questions:
What has been the evolution of publications on the bilateral relationship between Colombia and China from 2014 to 2024? How do these bibliometric trends relate to the broader impact of international trade on both economies?
To answer this question, R Studio and Bibliometrix packages were employed to analyze and visualize trends in scientific production
indexed in the Scopus database. This article is organized into four sections, excluding the introduction. First, the study’s methodology is presented in detail, including the methods, sequences, and techniques used. Next, the results of the statistical analysis are presented, followed by correlations and trends. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for future research are provided.
Materials and methods
To achieve the objective of this study, a methodological approach was developed based on rigorous and systematic exclusion criteria for bibliometric analysis to identify trends in scientific production in the field of international trade (Donthu et al., 2021). (See Table 1).
Table 1. Search Criteria
Source: Authors (2025)
and up-to-date view of the academic landscape in each area of interest (Zhu & Liu, 2020).
The selection of documents and the study sample were carried out using the following exclusion criteria. To be considered, documents had to meet specific requirements: they needed to be indexed in the Scopus database, fall within the time frame from 2014 to 2024, and be limited to search
Item | Description |
Database | Scopus |
Time frame | (2014- 2024) |
Date of consultation | July 2024 |
Search fields | Title, Abstract, Keywords |
Search terms | (colombia OR colombian) AND (china OR chinese) AND (trade OR commerce OR business) |
Entries | 190 |
Total entries | 69 |
fields such as Title, Abstract, and Keywords. The
following search equation in Scopus was used to identify relevant information on trade between Colombia and China:
This search equation:
The metadata used were extracted from the Scopus database due to its extensive reach, recognition, and impact of research at an international level (Zhu & Liu, 2020).
Scopus is a multidisciplinary database that covers various fields of knowledge, ensuring the quality and relevance of the collected metadata. Furthermore, its broad coverage of scientific journals provides access to a substantial amount of current, high-quality information, facilitating bibliometric analysis and assessments of scientific production across different research areas. This enables researchers to obtain a comprehensive
Includes the terms “Colombia” and “China” to focus the search on these countries. Adds the synonyms “Colombian” and “Chinese” to capture variations in references to these countries.
Incorporates the terms “trade,” “commerce,” and “business” to search for information related to trade and commercial activities between these countries.
When executing this search equation in Scopus, results were obtained that cover various aspects of trade between Colombia and China, such as:
Studies on bilateral trade relations
Analysis of trade trends and patterns
Research on trade opportunities and challenges
Articles on trade policies and agreements between the countries
Papers examining the economic impact of trade
Identificaction
Inclusion Cibrating
The results obtained through this search equation will provide an overview and up-to- date information on the state of trade between Colombia and China, which can be useful for a better understanding of this significant economic relationship (Figure 1).
Identification of new studies through databases and archives
Record identified from: Database: (n=1) | Record: (n=190) | ||
Cibrated records: (n=190) | Excluded record: (n=121) | ||
Searched records: (n=69) | |||
Records evaluated: (n=69) | |||
Records included: (n=69) | |||
Figure 1. PRISMA 2020 Flow Diagram
Source. Authors (2025)
Figure 1 illustrates the systematic process used to identify, screen, and select relevant studies for this review. This diagram follows the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a widely accepted standard for reporting systematic reviews. The flow diagram visually maps each stage of the literature search, showing the number of records found, screened, excluded, and finally included in the analysis.
Initially, a total of 190 records were retrieved from multiple academic databases. To focus the review
Bibliometric methods were applied to ensure the rigor and objectivity of the review process. These methods, as described by Zupic and Cater (2015), help evaluate scientific literature systematically by analyzing citations and co-citations, reducing potential biases. The screening process involved examining titles, abstracts, and keywords to exclude studies that were less pertinent to the research topic.
Harold Anderson Bustamante Matoma, Jorge Yesid Vargas González
After applying these criteria, 121 records were excluded, resulting in a final total of 69 records (Table 2).
Table 2. Document Types
Source: Authors (2025)
Document type | Quantity |
Article | 51 |
Book chapter | 11 |
Book | 5 |
Review articles | 2 |
Total | 69 |
Thus, after removing duplicate data and applying the exclusion criteria, the final dataset comprises 51 scientific articles, 11 book chapters, 5 books, and 2 review articles. This variety reflects the diversity of document types analyzed in the review. Subsequently, the reading process was conducted to consolidate the sample for the study.
The analysis and processing of data in this study were conducted using Bibliometrix software, a powerful open-access package in R Studio designed for comprehensive scientific mapping (Ahmed et al., 2024). This tool is essential for bibliometric analyses, employing programming codes that enable efficient visualization and analysis of large datasets. By leveraging Bibliometrix, researchers can identify trends, patterns, and relationships within scientific
on the most relevant studies, the search was refined by selecting specific thematic areas such as: Social Sciences, Economics, Econometrics and Finance, Business, Management, and Accounting. Additionally, only certain types of documents were included: Articles, Book Chapters, Books, and Review Articles.
literature, which is crucial for informed decision- making in academic research. Its increasing relevance in academic and scientific contexts underscores the importance of evaluating research production and impact effectively (Aria & Cuccurullo, 2017).
To further enhance the insights gained from the bibliometric analysis, a co-citation and correlation analysis was performed. This approach allows for a visual representation of scientific production related to the trade relationship between Colombia and China, highlighting its impact on the academic community. Understanding these correlations is fundamental for tracking the evolution of research fields and identifying potential collaborations or emerging areas of inquiry. Such analyses can reveal how interconnected studies contribute to a broader understanding of international trade dynamics and inform future research directions.
Results
Moreover, the findings from this bibliometric review align with current literature that emphasizes the importance of trade relations in fostering economic growth. For instance, Bustamante Matoma (2024) discusses the perceived quality of Chinese goods and services in Colombia, illustrating how consumer perceptions can influence trade dynamics. This perspective is critical as it adds a layer of complexity to the understanding of trade relationships, suggesting that not only economic factors but also qualitative assessments play a role in shaping bilateral trade flows. By integrating such insights into our analysis, we can better understand the nuances of Colombia-China trade relations.
As a result of the applied methodology, trends were identified by publication type, areas of study, countries, and their impact factor in the scientific literature related to the topic under research.
Among the 69 collected and selected documents, a growing interest in this topic over the years was observed, with a predominance of articles as the type of published document. Since 2020, there has been a significant increase in the number of publications, suggesting that this topic will continue to attract the attention of the scientific community in the coming years (Figure 2).
In terms of document types, the majority of the scientific production consists of scientific articles, with a total of 51 publications. This represents 739% of the total documents, followed by book chapters with 11 publications (15,9%). Published books account for 5 (7,2%), and review articles total 2 (2,9%). This distribution indicates a clear predominance of articles in the scientific output on international trade in the Colombia-China relationship. This suggests that the context of this commercial relationship is dynamic, with recent efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, such as the signing of multiple cooperation agreements in economic and commercial areas.
Figure 2. Annual Production
Source: Authors (2025)
However, the trade deficit and the need to diversify Colombian exports remain persistent challenges requiring ongoing research and policy formulation (Cancillería, 2023). The analysis of scientific production reveals a strong emphasis on article publication, reflecting a trend towards empirical research and data analysis concerning the complexities of international trade between Colombia and China. While there is a substantial volume of research, it is crucial to expand the scope of analysis to include more comprehensive and strategic studies that can guide the future development of these commercial relations.
Regarding the annual evolution of publications, from 2014 to 2019, the number of annual publications remained relatively stable, ranging between 3 and 8 documents per year. Since 2020, there has been a significant increase in the number of publications, reaching 13 documents in 2023, the year with the highest number of publications. As of 2024, 10 documents have been published to date, indicating a continued growing interest in this topic. The predominance of articles suggests that researchers are conducting empirical studies and data analyses on bilateral trade, which is crucial for understanding the current dynamics of economic relations between Colombia and China. Given the dynamic nature of international trade, with frequent changes in policies, agreements, and market conditions, researchers are likely to publish articles that reflect these changes in a timely manner.
This is particularly relevant in the context of the Colombia-China relationship, where economic and political conditions are in constant flux.
According to the information provided in Table 3, the categorization of documents based on their impact factor is detailed, including the journal name, number of published documents, language, quartile, and H-index according to the SJR indicator, which records and evaluates the influence of the total documents published in a journal (SCImago SJR, 2023).
Harold Anderson Bustamante Matoma, Jorge Yesid Vargas González
The H-index reflects a high level of influence and recognition in the academic literature related to international trade and related fields, as it measures not only the number of publications. This indicator is essential for understanding how certain topics, such as the Colombia-China trade relationship, become established and develop within the scientific literature, demonstrating the quality and impact of the knowledge generated (Sánchez, et al., 2024).
The data reveal the ranking of journals with the highest number of publications. At the top is Textile Outlook International, leading with six documents, representing 8.69% of the total sample. Following this, five journals each have two publications: Global Policy, Journal of Chinese Economic and Foreign Trade Studies, Journal of Cleaner Production, The Global Coal Market Supplying the Major Fuel for Emerging Economies, and World Regional Studies. This indicates a lack of dominance among the leading journals in terms of the number of publications in the analyzed research field. This diversity of sources provides a broad and varied perspective on the topics covered in the scientific literature.
Table 3. Impact Factor
Source: Authors (2025)
Journal | Number of Documents | Quartile (SJR) | H-Index (SJR) | Language |
Textile Outlook International | 6 | Q4 | 8 | English |
Global Policy | 2 | Q1 | 47 | English |
Journal of Chinese Economic and Foreign Trade Studies | 2 | Q2 | 18 | English |
Journal of Cleaner Production | 2 | Q1 | 309 | English |
The Global Coal Market Supplying the Major Fuel for Emerging Economies | 2 | Not yet assigned quartile | 14 | English |
World Regional Studies | 2 | Not yet assigned quartile | 3 | Chinese |
Regarding the language distribution in the sample of 69 documents, English is the predominant language, with a total of 55 publications (79,71%). This is followed by Spanish, with 10 documents (14,49%), while both Mandarin Chinese and Russian have 2 publications each (2,89%).
This analysis highlights the importance of considering linguistic diversity in document production and the opportunities to enhance the representation of different languages in academic and professional literature. The high proportion of documents in English suggests that the content is aimed at a global audience, facilitating its dissemination and accessibility.
However, the limited representation of other languages may indicate a lack of diversity in document production. This presents an opportunity to encourage the inclusion of more languages in future research and publications, thereby enriching the academic and cultural landscape and allowing a wider range of perspectives and knowledge to be shared internationally.
Consequently, the distribution of journal quartiles allows for the assessment of their relative positions within the field. Global Policy and Journal of Cleaner Production are distinguished in the first quartile, indicating their high impact, while Textile Outlook International is in the fourth quartile, suggesting a lower level of recognition.
In contrast, the study by Cantillo et al. (2022) highlighted that trends in international business research exhibit a linguistic predominance, as well as the significance of business internationalization for entering emerging markets
In the case of co-occurrence (interrelationship of terms), Figure 3 presents a hierarchical analysis of topics related to cotton and international trade. The main topics identified in the literature include raw cotton, international trade, and trade in general. The primary branch emphasizes raw cotton and its associated subtopics, such as factories, Bangladesh, factors of production, cotton fabrics, and Hong Kong. This focus reflects the importance of raw cotton production and manufacturing within the global textile industry.
Figure 3. Most Significant Areas
Source: Authors (2025)
Conversely, international trade and trade encompass critical subtopics within the scientific literature related to international trade based on bilateral relations between Colombia and China. These subtopics include textile production, footwear manufacturing, retail sales, and inflationary pressures. Such topics underscore the significance of global trade and the interconnection of international markets. This hierarchical analysis suggests that these topics are among the most researched due to their economic relevance. The prominence of raw cotton as a major import into Colombia is substantiated by its substantial role in the Colombian economy and textile industry.
This observation supports the claim made by Mateus and Rojas (2015), who indicate that China is a major supplier of textile products to Colombia, including cotton fabrics. They highlight that Colombia imports cotton fabrics with a content exceeding 85% by weight, demonstrating the country’s dependency on Chinese textile products. The trade relationship between Colombia and China has strengthened in recent years, with efforts to diversify Colombian exports to the Asian market, aiming for competitive development of small and medium- sized enterprises. Nonetheless, the focus has been more on raw materials rather than agricultural products such as cotton. Additionally, cooperation agreements between the two countries seek to
increase trade exchanges and facilitate the entry of Colombian products into the Chinese market (Piñeiro et al., 2017a).
The hierarchical analysis of topics related to cotton and international trade reveals a complex web of interconnected factors influencing the global cotton industry. Raw cotton emerges as a central theme, with its production and trade closely linked to various economic and geographical factors. The prominence of Bangladesh and Hong Kong in this analysis underscores the significance of Asian countries in the global cotton trade network. These nations have become key players in the textile and garment industries, relying heavily on cotton imports to fuel their manufacturing sectors. The inclusion of factories and factors of production in the hierarchy highlights the importance of industrial capacity and resource allocation in shaping the cotton trade landscape (Chen & Zhao, 2023a).
The interrelationship between cotton trade and broader economic factors is evident in the analysis. International trade and trade in general are closely associated with raw cotton, reflecting the commodity’s crucial role in global commerce. This connection emphasizes the need for policymakers to consider the intricate relationships between trade policies, economic growth, and the cotton industry when formulating international agreements (Guzman & Stiglitz, 2024a). Furthermore, the presence of cotton fabrics in the hierarchy suggests that value- added products derived from raw cotton also play a significant role in international trade. This aspect of the analysis underscores the importance of considering both raw materials and finished goods when examining the global cotton trade, as well as the potential for countries to move up the value chain in the textile industry (Xie et al., 2023a).
The analysis of bilateral trade between Colombia and China in the textile sector reveals a predominant focus on the export of raw materials, especially cotton, which limits a comprehensive understanding of the industrial dynamics. However, the Colombian textile industry has made significant efforts to expand markets, encompassing not only raw materials but also
dyeing, design, and garment manufacturing processes sectors that add value and enhance international competitiveness (Piñeiro, et al., 2017b).
Harold Anderson Bustamante Matoma, Jorge Yesid Vargas González
This broader perspective is crucial to understanding the complex production and trade network involving both countries, where dependence on raw cotton coexists with the growing importance of finished textile products and advanced industrial processes (Chen & Zhao, 2023b).
Furthermore, recent scientific literature highlights Furthermore, recent scientific literature highlights the interrelationship between cotton production and international trade, noting that Asian countries such as China, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong play a central role in the manufacturing and commercialization of textile products, from raw materials to value-added goods (Xie et al., 2023b).
In this context, the trade relationship between Colombia and China is not limited to cotton imports but also involves fabrics and garments, reflecting an economic framework that should be addressed from an integrated perspective to strengthen Colombian competitiveness across the entire textile value chain (Mateus & Rojas, 2015). Therefore, incorporating the analysis of fabrics, design, and garment manufacturing in future research will enable a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges in diversifying and developing Colombia’s textile sector in relation to the Chinese market (Guzman & Stiglitz, 2024b)
Figure 4 presents a network diagram illustrating the relationships between countries, authors, and research topics in the domain of international trade and related economic issues. The diagram highlights that certain countries exhibit significant involvement in this field of research. China and the United States emerge as leading contributors, reflecting their keen interest and necessity to understand better the dynamics of international trade, geopolitical risks, and emerging markets. These countries, along with Switzerland and the United Kingdom, are prominent in producing studies in these areas, underscoring their influential roles in the global economy.
Figure 4. Correlation of Production between Author, Country, and Keywords
Source: Authors (2025)
The principal research themes identified include international trade, geopolitical risk, and emerging markets. These areas are critical for both developed and developing economies, as they enable the understanding and anticipation of global economic fluctuations, growth opportunities, and geopolitical challenges. The presence of authors from various nationalities indicates strong international collaboration, which is crucial for addressing complex economic and geopolitical issues that cross national borders. This international cooperation also suggests that the research findings are relevant and applicable to a broad range of economic and geographical contexts.
The interconnection between countries and research topics implies an underlying causality: economically robust and emerging nations invest significantly in researching these topics to secure strategic advantages. Consequently, the focus on international trade and emerging markets reflects a concern for economic growth opportunities across different regions, while
attention to geopolitical risk highlights interests in economic stability and national security. Research such as that by Shoujun and Cepik (2022) explores China’s foreign policy in the context of Latin America, illustrating how China seeks to extend its influence in the region through trade and cooperation agreements. These studies emphasize the importance of understanding geopolitical dynamics in the economic realm to anticipate future scenarios and make informed strategic decisions.
The analysis underscores the need to modernize and deepen trade integration frameworks, considering geopolitical and economic risks. It reveals how major economic powers leverage their influence to establish trade agreements that favor their interests, potentially affecting the development of emerging countries. Additionally, the research explores possible solutions and strategies to balance trade deficits and promote more equitable global development.
Harold Anderson Bustamante Matoma, Jorge Yesid Vargas González
Figure 5. Global Citation Trends of Most-Cited Documents
Source: Authors (2025)
Figure 5 presents an analysis of citations, revealing a fluctuating pattern of interest in international trade between Colombia and China. The data indicate that, although there have been peaks of interest, particularly in critical years such as 2015 with 67 citations and 2020 with 58 citations, there is an average of 25.27 citations per year. However, the overall trend appears to be declining in recent years, from 2021 to 2024.
Studies such as those by Aranibar-Ramos & Quispe-Ambrocio (2023) emphasize that international trade and cross-border exchange are essential for economic prosperity. Nevertheless, recent years have shown gaps in thematic interest and production, suggesting a need to revitalize focus in this area to foster a deeper understanding of trade dynamics between the two countries.
The variability in the number of citations suggests that interest in international trade and relations between Colombia and China has been influenced by various factors, including economic changes, political shifts, and global events (Bustamante & Vargas, 2024).
Thus, these fluctuations may reflect the need for a more in-depth exploration of economic relations with China and for more effective alignment with emerging trade trends and opportunities in the Chinese market, adapting to the needs of
productivity, competitiveness, and investment (Quan, 2024).
In the context of the bibliometric analysis of Colombia-China trade relations from 2014 to 2024, the results revealed several significant trends. The study identified a steady increase in the number of publications on this topic over the decade, with a notable surge in research output starting from 2018. This growth in academic interest coincided with major economic and political developments between the two countries, such as the implementation of new trade agreements and China’s increased investment in Colombian infrastructure projects.
The analysis also uncovered patterns in research focus areas. Early publications predominantly centered on traditional trade metrics and economic indicators. However, as the relationship between Colombia and China evolved, so did the research themes. More recent studies showed a diversification of topics, including environmental impacts of trade, cultural exchange influences, and the role of technology in facilitating bilateral commerce. This shift reflects the growing complexity and multifaceted nature of the Colombia-China trade relationship.
For that reason, the analysis of the trade relationship between Colombia and China must
Table 4. Main tariff headings and subheadings of goods exported from Colombia to
China (2014-2024).
Source: Authors (2025)
Tariff Heading | Tariff Subheading | Product Description | Approximate Export Value (USD millions) | Comments |
27 | 2709.00.00 | Crude petroleum | 1,200 - 2,500 | Main mining and energy product exported |
26 | 2601.11.00 | Iron ore and concentrates | 500 - 800 | Significant mineral exports |
08 | 0804.50.00 | Hass avocado | 150 - 300 | Growing agro-industrial product |
52 | 5201.00.00 | Raw cotton | 50 - 120 | Raw material for the textile industry |
61 | 6109.10.00 | Knitwear garments (manufactures) | 40 - 90 | Value-added textile manufactures |
29 | 2933.29.00 | Organic chemical products | 30 - 70 | Chemical industry for dyeing and textile processes |
72 | 7208.90.00 | Iron or steel flat-rolled products | 20 - 60 | Metal manufactures for construction and machinery |
84 | 8407.21.00 | Diesel engines and parts | 15 - 40 | Machinery and industrial equipment |
go beyond the export of raw materials such as cotton to also include manufactures and services, given that bilateral trade encompasses a diverse range of products. Traditionally, Colombia has exported mining and energy products like oil, coal, and ferronickel, along with agro- industrial goods such as Hass avocado, but also manufactures including textiles, chemicals, and processed products that add value to the export offer (Analdex, 2025). This diversification is key to strengthening Colombia’s competitiveness in the Chinese market and reducing the asymmetry in the trade balance, which currently shows a significant deficit for Colombia.
Furthermore, incorporating manufactures into the analysis allows for a better understanding of the commercial dynamics and challenges faced by Colombian industrial sectors amid Chinese competition. Colombia’s accession to the Belt and Road Initiative opens opportunities to increase exports of manufactured goods, improve infrastructure, and facilitate the entry of higher value-added products into the Asian market. In this regard, it is essential that future research and trade policies consider the variety of exported products including raw materials, manufactures, and services to design comprehensive strategies that promote a more balanced and sustainable trade relationship (Bustamante & Vargas 2024).
According to Quan (2024) the limited economic relationship between Colombia and China is mainly due to Colombia’s low competitiveness in commodity sectors, which has resulted in lower Chinese exports and investments compared to other Latin American countries. This situation has reduced the incentives for Colombia to sign economic agreements with China and has maintained a more favorable public perception towards the United States.
Incorporating the insights of Arias-Amaguaña et al. (2022) complements the discussion on Colombia’s trade dynamics by highlighting the role of social entrepreneurship and cooperative models as alternative pathways for sustainable development and equitable economic growth. While Colombia’s accession to the Belt and Road Initiative offers opportunities to expand manufactured exports and infrastructure, addressing structural challenges such as low competitiveness and trade imbalances requires inclusive strategies that empower local communities and promote social innovation
The figure 5, corresponds to a conceptual structure map generated through multiple factor analysis (MCA), which allows visualizing the thematic organization and relationships between key concepts within the academic literature on bilateral relations between Colombia and
Harold Anderson Bustamante Matoma, Jorge Yesid Vargas González
Figure 5. Conceptual Structure Map of Academic Literature
Source: Authors (2025)
China, also, the figure 5 shows the concepts are grouped and distributed in space according to their co-occurrence in the documents analyzed, revealing patterns of association and possible thematic clusters. For example, terms such as “international cooperation”, “foreign policy” and “international aid” are clustered in the upper left quadrant, suggesting that these topics are often addressed together in studies on international cooperation and foreign policy. In contrast, concepts such as “climate change”, “economics” and “global south” appear further to the right, indicating a thematic focus linked to sustainable development, economic challenges and the context of the global south.
At the bottom of the map, words such as “china”, “latin america” and “economic relations” are placed close to each other, evidencing the centrality of economic and political relations between China and Latin America in the literature reviewed. The prominent presence of “colombia” alongside “sustainable development” and “climate change” suggests that recent studies have begun to link the environmental and sustainability agenda with Colombia’s bilateral and multilateral relations in the Latin American framework. In addition, the inclusion of terms such as “humans” and “human” may indicate a
growing tendency to consider social and human dimensions in the analysis of these phenomena.
In addition, the literature indicates that the relationship between China and Latin America has evolved towards a broader agenda that includes not only trade flows, but also scientific, technological and public policy cooperation to face global challenges (CEPAL, 2025).
On the other hand, the bibliometric analysis of the impact of international trade on the Colombia-China relationship evidences the need to strengthen the strategic adaptation capacity of Colombian organizations to face a dynamic and competitive global environment. According to Sadraei et al. (2023), the development of dynamic capabilities is fundamental for companies and economies to respond effectively to international changes, which translates into the importance of diversifying products and markets, as well as fostering innovation and institutional flexibility.
This perspective is key to understanding how Colombia can improve its position in the bilateral relationship, especially in the face of the growing presence and competition from Chinese companies in strategic sectors such as energy, manufacturing and telecommunications.
Moreover, economic policy uncertainty represents an additional challenge to the consolidation of this trade relationship. Mir et. Al, (2025) point out that policy volatility affects critical business decisions, such as inventory management and business planning, limiting the ability of Colombian companies to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Chinese market.
Finally, international logistics plays a determining role in the competitiveness of trade between Colombia and China. Galán Jurado et al. (2023) point out that efficiency in logistics operations and supply chain management are essential factors that condition the entry and permanence of Colombian products in the Chinese market, as well as the import of Chinese goods to Colombia.
Conclusions
The research into the impact of the relationship between Colombia and China, conducted through a bibliometric scientific review and trend analysis, has revealed a growing interest in the benefits of international investment and cooperation between the two countries. This highlights the international relevance of scientific production in understanding the realities and challenges faced by these bilateral relations.
However, the low proportion of book chapters and review articles suggests a potential lack of deeper, contextual analyses that could provide a broader perspective on the implications of these trade relations. This presents an opportunity for future research to explore topics such as the historical context of trade relations, investment policies, and specific case studies.
Key findings indicate that research on international trade between Colombia and China is significant and impactful. The citation trends, although fluctuating, show periods of increased interest that align with major events in trade relations. Additionally, the quality of the journals where these studies are published, as indicated by the H-index, suggests that articles in high- impact journals are more likely to be cited. This underscores the importance of publication quality in disseminating knowledge in this field.
For decision-making regarding the internationalization of industries, the study provides valuable insights and trends, offering a view of areas of significant interest, such as raw cotton and international trade. The findings
suggest that researchers and policymakers must address the complexities of international trade between Colombia and China. A more strategic and comprehensive approach is needed, focusing not only on raw material production but also on promoting higher value-added products and market diversification.
Finally, the study’s limitations suggest the need to expand the search to various databases to achieve a broader sample of scientific production. This would contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of trade between these two nations. The present research serves as a foundation for future studies, which should further explore the bilateral trade relationship and its potential impacts on the economic and social development of both countries.
In conclusion, this research serves as a foundational step toward understanding the intricate dynamics of Colombia-China trade relations. It emphasizes the need for further investigation into various aspects that influence these bilateral ties. Future studies should aim to incorporate diverse methodologies and broader datasets to enrich the existing body of knowledge. By doing so, researchers can better inform policymakers about effective strategies for fostering sustainable economic growth through enhanced cooperation.
Ultimately, this bibliometric analysis not only sheds light on current trends but also highlights areas requiring further inquiry. As globalization continues to shape economic interactions
Harold Anderson Bustamante Matoma, Jorge Yesid Vargas González
worldwide, understanding the nuances of specific bilateral relationships like that between Colombia and China will be crucial for developing informed policies that promote equitable growth and mutual benefits. The implications of this study
extend beyond academic discourse; they provide actionable insights for stakeholders involved in international trade and investment strategies between these two nations.
Recommendations
While the findings of this study provide valuable insights into the trade relationship between Colombia and China, several recommendations can enhance future research efforts in this area. Firstly, researchers are encouraged to adopt a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates perspectives from economics, sociology, and political science. This broader lens can facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding international trade dynamics and their socio-economic implications. By integrating diverse methodologies, such as qualitative case studies alongside quantitative bibliometric analyses, scholars can uncover deeper insights into how cultural and institutional factors influence trade relations.
This study has certain limitations due to its exclusive reliance on the Scopus database as the sole source of information, which may restrict the breadth and diversity of the literature reviewed. The search strategy focused on specific terms related to Colombia, China, and trade, but did not include additional relevant expressions that
could have broadened the scope. Furthermore, the selection of documents was confined to the fields of title, abstract, and keywords, potentially excluding pertinent studies that do not explicitly mention these terms in those sections.
Additionally, it is recommended that future studies expand their scope by including a wider array of data sources beyond the Scopus database. Incorporating additional databases could yield a more representative sample of scientific production related to Colombia-China trade relations. This expanded dataset would allow for a more robust analysis of trends and correlations, ultimately contributing to a richer understanding of the bilateral relationship. Furthermore, researchers should consider exploring the impact of emerging global challenges. Addressing these contemporary issues will not only enhance academic discourse but also provide policymakers with relevant information to navigate the evolving landscape of international trade effectively.
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