Hunan's import and export value between January and August totaled 419.9 billion CNY. The imports hit 136.9 billion CNY, making a 20% increase year on year. The Changsha Customs authority announced the data on September 13.

In the first eight months this year, Hunan's imports from and exports to the countries along the Belt and Road amounted to 222.83 billion CNY, taking up 53.1% of the total foreign trade of the province. The figure with Africa was 37.82 billion CNY, increasing by 7.7% year on year. ASEAN, the U.S.A, EU, and Hong Kong SAR were the four largest trade partners of Hunan Province.

The number of enterprises with actual foreign trade performance increased 13 to 7,089 in total. Private enterprises have played a key role in foreign trade development, contributing more than 80% to the provincial total, with a total import and export value of 337.42 billion CNY.

The opening-up platforms showed remarkable effects. In the first eight months, the total import and export value of Hunan's five comprehensive bonded zones reached 93.89 billion CNY, rising 12.3% over the previous year. The Hunan Pilot Free Trade Zone realized imports and exports of 114.58 billion CNY, accounting for nearly 30% of the provincial total.

The export of mechanical and electrical products as well as agricultural products has maintained rapid growth. Auto exports soared in particular. Between January and August, Hunan's auto exports, including chassis products, hit 12.72 billion CNY, skyrocketing 185.4% year on year. The export of vegetables and edible mushrooms rose 41%.

Hunan mainly imported mechanical and electrical products. In the first eight months, the import of high-tech and agricultural products has increased. 

Translator: Pang Yuehui