The “DEINDUSTRIALIZATION” in Colombia. A half-truth that hide the distribution inequitable of added value

Abstract

This article has the hypothesis that the “deindustrialization” in Colombia is a half-truth, without denying the precarious situation of the industry. To test empirically this hypothesis, the production of the main lines is analyzed and its behavior is compared in physical units and in constant monetary values, as a representation of the values of use and values of change in the industry. It is found that in 19 of the 28 lines analyzed, production in physical units (use values) increased at a geometric annual rate higher tan the increase in gross production in monetary terms (exchange values, in constant prices). Thus, although the industry’s participation in total GDP has been reduced, this is not so much due to a process of deindustrialization, in itself, as to a greater pace in the increase of other economic activities and a reduction in unit costs by increases in gross productivity, especially due to technological changes in processes, whether in the use of human labor or in the inputs incorporated into production.