Export Development
The Department of Commerce is committed to the market growth of businesses throughout South Carolina. Commerce works with companies of all sizes to assist in developing and growing export markets throughout the world. With its four foreign offices and close relationship with the U.S. Commercial Service, the state has the ability to assist companies looking to export a product to nearly any corner of the world. Commerce facilitates these efforts by leading these companies on international trade/export missions for one-on-one appointments throughout the year.
SC Export Facts:
- In 2007, South Carolina’s exports topped $16.5 billion to 198 countries.
- In 2007, South Carolina’s 22% export growth ranked it 9th among the 54 states and U.S. territories and No. 1 in the Southeast.
- South Carolina’s 147% export growth from 1996 to 2007 ranked it 19th among the 54 states and U.S. territories.
- South Carolina is the 2nd largest exporting state or U.S. territory to Germany.
- Germany was the top destination of the state’s exported goods at more than $3.7 billion. Canada ranked second followed by Mexico, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, Japan, Belgium, France and Brazil.
- Of the top 25 markets for South Carolina products in 2007, the top growth market was the United Arab Emirates at 202%. Argentina ranked second followed by Australia, Sweden, Honduras, Chile, South Africa and Brazil.
- The state’s leading product sector export is transportation equipment, with more than $5.3 billion in exports in 2007. Other top export product sectors are machinery, plastics, electrical machinery, rubber and paper and paperboard.
- About 9% of South Carolina’s total private sector manufacturing employment is supported by exports.
- South Carolina ranks 14th in the number of total jobs linked to manufactured exports.