The state of South Carolina rebuked the expected national exports trend by amassing $37.3 billion in 2023, according to a press release from the Governor's Office.
Since 2013, South Carolina exports have grown at an average rate of 4.4% year-to-year. Over the same period, U.S. exports grew at an average rate of 3% year-to-year.
South Carolina’s Top Five Exported Commodities in 2023 were:
1. Completed passenger vehicles
2. Aircraft and parts
3. Machinery and mechanical appliances (turbojets, turbo propellers, gas turbines, ball, and roller bearings, appliances for boilers and pumps)
4. Plastics
5. Rubber (tires)
The trend of completed passenger vehicles is expected to continue with the eventual completion of multiple automotive manufacturing plants throughout the state in the coming years.
“As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports serves as South Carolina’s gateway to the world,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said.
South Carolina’s 18% increase in export sales in 2023 defied U.S. export averages which dropped 2.2% over the same year. And for the eighth consecutive year, South Carolina remains the nation’s leader in tire exports, with sales reaching $1.8 billion, 34.3% of the total U.S. market share.
“We are proud to move cargo for South Carolina companies, ensuring that automakers, advanced manufacturers, farmers, and small businesses have direct access to global markets. We consistently invest in port infrastructure and deliver excellent port service to help South Carolina companies thrive,” added Melvin.
In 2023, South Carolina exports reached 211 countries. Gov. Henry McMaster stated this is the continued jolt the state’s economy needs.
“Other countries continue to find that South Carolina offers the best products and services available anywhere, which is emphasized by the fact that our state saw an increase in trade despite a national decline in exports,” said McMaster. “By sending locally made goods throughout the world, we can continue to create more jobs and careers for South Carolinians while helping expand our economy.”
The Palmetto State also is one of the leading states among completed passenger motor vehicles, with $10.2 billion in sales, accounting for 16% of the total U.S. market share. Germany was the number one export market for South Carolina-made products and services, with $4.7 billion in sales.
“As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports serves as South Carolina’s gateway to the world,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “We are proud to move cargo for South Carolina companies, ensuring that automakers, advanced manufacturers, farmers, and small businesses have direct access to global markets. We consistently invest in port infrastructure and deliver excellent port service to help South Carolina companies thrive.”
