Hunan's imports and exports with Africa reached 44.52 billion CNY in the first three quarters of this year, a year-on-year increase of 19.4%, according to recent data from the Changsha Customs Authority. Exports amounted to 21.21 billion CNY, up 8.3%, while imports totaled 23.31 billion CNY, rising 31.7%.

During the January-September period, Hunan's trade partners in Africa reached 57. Among them, South Africa continues to maintain its position as Hunan's largest trade partner in Africa, with the import and export volume accounting for approximately one-quarter of the province's total trade with Africa during the same period. Hunan's trade with Mozambique, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, Guinea, and Sierra Leone expanded 329.7%, 127%, 180.4%, 106.2%, and 344%, respectively.

Imports were primarily dominated by bulk commodities. In the first three quarters, Hunan imported bulk commodities worth 10.97 billion CNY from Africa, marking an 86.1% increase. Imports of metal ores and sands, natural and synthetic rubber, and agricultural products showed significant growth, rising by 64%, 162.2%, and 12.7%, respectively.

Exports were mainly dominated by mechanical and electrical products. From January to September, Hunan's exports of mechanical and electrical products to Africa reached 12.24 billion CNY, marking a 17.1% increase. Exports of the "new three"--new energy vehicles (NEVs), lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products and foodstuffs surged by 462.4% and 55.2%, respectively.

The China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo has been held in Hunan for four consecutive sessions, steadily expanding its influence across the African continent. Customs authorities recommend that Hunan's foreign trade enterprises continue to actively explore new models for China-Africa cross-border industrial capacity cooperation. The enterprises are advised to take multiple measures to support each other in expanding overseas operations and promoting products, establishing overseas warehouses and bonded warehouses in key African cities and ports, and enhancing two-way economic and trade services for Hunan's industrial and supply chains with Africa. 

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

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn