SC Export Sales Top $34 Billion in 2018 for 9th Straight Record Year

For the ninth consecutive year, the state of South Carolina set a record for total export sales in 2018, as the

state’s exporters sold $34.6 billion in products in more than 195 countries and territories around the world. This

sales figure represents a 7.5 percent increase over the 2017 total and ranks 14th among all states.

 

“South Carolina’s workforce continues to have a growing international reputation of producing world-class

products,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “I’m proud that our exporters have achieved yet another record year and

look forward to watching them build on this success in the years to come.”

 

“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.”

 

“South Carolina is a leader in manufacturing, and export goods are a strong driver of the Port’s year-over-year

growth story,” said S.C. Ports Authority (SCPA) President and CEO Jim Newsome. “The modernization and

expansion efforts underway at our Port, including the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project and Leatherman

Terminal construction, position SCPA to continue to support our state’s exporters and enhance South Carolina’s

role in the global marketplace.”

 

To continue growing the state’s export activity and to assist firms of all sizes that seek to get involved in

international trade, S.C. Commerce offers the South Carolina Export Incentives Program. The initiative

reimburses small and medium-sized business participation in S.C. Commerce trade missions, major trade

exhibitions and international matchmaking, using U.S. Commercial Service programs. It also finances export

training and other export-related initiatives by S.C. Commerce.