South Carolina export sales top $34 billion in 2018, achieve ninth consecutive record year
March 7, 2019
State remains top exporter of tires and completed passenger motor vehicles
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For the ninth consecutive year, the state of South Carolina set a record for total export sales in 2018. Today, Gov. Henry McMaster, the S.C. Department of Commerce and the S.C. Ports Authority announced that the state’s 2018 export sales totaled $34.6 billion, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The figure represents a 7.5 percent increase over the 2017 total.
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“We’ve cultivated a globally-connected economy in South Carolina, and last year’s export sales total reflects that,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Moving forward, we will continue to prioritize the growth of our international trade footprint and will encourage companies of all sizes to expand their reach into new markets overseas.”
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To access a full report detailing last year’s trade results, click here.
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About S.C. Department of Commerce
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As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State ranked No. 1 in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment on a per capita basis in 2018 — extending its streak of top three finishes since 2011. Additionally, in five of seven years, the state has won the Gold Shovel Award from Area Development magazine; and, in 2017, the state was recognized as Business Facilities’ State of the Year. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
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