四年追超7000亿元，中部第一省可能要易主了

Core Viewpoint - The economic gap between Hubei and Henan is narrowing, with Hubei expected to potentially surpass Henan as the "first province in Central China" by mid-2025, marking a significant shift in regional economic dynamics [1][9]. Economic Performance - As of mid-2025, the GDP difference between Hubei and Henan is only 200 billion yuan, with Hubei having closed a gap of over 700 billion yuan from 2020 to 2024 [1]. - Hubei's GDP growth is significantly driven by its booming foreign trade, with a total import and export value exceeding 400 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, marking a 28.4% year-on-year increase [3][4]. Foreign Trade Dynamics - Hubei's foreign trade has shown remarkable growth, with exports in the first half of 2025 reaching 2.8 trillion yuan, a 38.8% increase compared to the previous year, outpacing Henan's growth [9][10]. - The province's trade with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative has also surged, with a 32.6% increase, accounting for over 50% of Hubei's total trade [4]. Industrial and Investment Growth - Hubei's industrial output value increased by 7.9% in the first half of 2025, with high-tech manufacturing growing by 14.4%, contributing significantly to overall industrial growth [5][6]. - In contrast, Henan's high-tech manufacturing sector also saw a 14.9% increase, indicating a competitive industrial landscape [11]. Investment Trends - Hubei's private investment growth reached 6.2% in the first half of 2025, significantly higher than the national average, reflecting strong investor confidence [6]. - Henan's industrial transformation is underway, with significant investments in new energy vehicles and high-tech industries, although traditional industries still dominate [12][13]. Conclusion on Regional Competition - The competition between Hubei and Henan for economic supremacy in Central China highlights the broader regional dynamics, where collaboration among the six central provinces may be essential for collective growth [13].