Hunan's import and export value totaled 445.87 billion yuan between January and August this year, ranking 14th nationwide, according to the Changsha Customs data released on September 13. It went up by 21% over last year, with the growth rate ranking 10th in China. The export volume stood at 327.39 billion yuan, up 29.7% year on year.

In the first 8 months, Hunan's trade with ASEAN and EU countries, and regions including Hong Kong SAR, grew. ASEAN remained Hunan's biggest trading partner, with the trade volume increasing by 60% year on year and taking up more than 20% of the provincial total. Faster growth was made in the trade with the RCEP member countries and the countries and regions along the Belt and Road, respectively hitting 29.9% and 47.5%.

Mechanical and electrical products were the majority of Hunan's exports, occupying 40.1% of the total. Among them, the export of electronic components and hi-tech products saw robust growth. The export of labor intensive products, such as textile and clothing, furniture, suitcases and bags, and shoes, increased rapidly. Hunan's specialties, including vegetables, edible mushrooms, porcelains, and fireworks sold well in overseas markets, with year-on-year increase of 40.8%, 23.5%, and 85.1% respectively.

Mechanical and electrical products were also major imports, taking up 31.2% of the provincial total. Meanwhile, double-digit growth was seen in the import of raw materials, such as rubber, coal and lignite coal, paper pulp, and refined oil.

Between January and August, Changsha's import and export value rose 22.6% to 218.12 billion yuan, contributing 48.9% to Hunan's total. Huaihua, Yongzhou, and Zhangjiajie made a leap in foreign trade, respectively up 105.1%, 89.6%, and 86%. 

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Pang Yuehui

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn