Changsha Customs and MOFCOM data show Hunan's Africa-related import-export reached CNY 41.04 billion from January to September, surpassed last year's annual total of CNY 39.76 billion — ranking first in central China. The 47% YoY growth exceeded the provincial foreign trade growth by nearly 27%. The September's export to Africa reached CNY 5.24 billion, with a year-on-year increase of 67.37%.

Hunan-Africa economic ties carry increasing weight. Hunan's Africa-related import-export has accounted for 8.13% of the province-wide total foreign trade and 3.05% of China's Africa-related trade — increased by 0.6% YoY.

In the first three quarters, the top three African countries trading with Hunan were South Africa, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Among these, Hunan's import and export with South Africa has accounted for 27% of Hunan’s total trade with Africa. Hunan imports mineral ores, gemstones and precious metal products from South Africa and exports furniture, lighting fixtures, hair products, etc. Hunan's trade with Nigeria and DR Congo grew rapidly by 98.3% and 186% year-on-year respectively.

Changsha, Shaoyang and Loudi rank top three in Hunan for Africa-related trade. Among these, Changsha's import and export with Africa has reached CNY 19.117 billion, accounting for nearly half of the province's total trade with Africa, with a year-on-year growth of 91.12%, and maintained rapid growth momentum.

Leveraging the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and the Pilot Zone for In-Depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation, Hunan has expanded its trade with Africa to 58 countries and regions, with 2,498 Hunan-based enterprises engaged in Africa-related foreign trade, including 65 with transactions over CNY 100 million. The Pilot Zone for In-Depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation has accounted for over half of Human's total trade with Africa. New forms of foreign trade are flourishing. From January to September, Hunan's market procurement export to Africa reached CNY 1.65 billion, with a year-on-year increase of 69.8 folds.

Hunan's passage to Africa for freight handling has become more unimpeded. In July, Hunan launched its first international freight route to Africa for flight from Changsha to Addis Ababa; by October 25, 25 flights had been completed, with a total of 2,213.2 tons of goods transported. In September, Changsha Airport Port also imported Kenyan coffee beans in bulk via direct airfreight for the first time. More high-quality African agricultural and food products are reaching Chinese consumers nationwide through Hunan, and enriching their dining tables.