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South Carolina-Ireland Trade Commission

Strengthening Trans-Atlantic Ties, Enhancing Economic Opportunity 

On October 23, 2024, Governor Henry McMaster signed into law the bill establishing the South Carolina-Ireland Trade Commission (S.C. Code Title 39, Chapter 79). This 15-member Commission is charged with advancing bilateral trade and investment between the Palmetto State and the Republic of Ireland.

Why Ireland and South Carolina? 

  • From 2010-2024, Irish-based companies announced more than US $239 million in capital investment in South Carolina and today employ more than 5,900 South Carolinians.   
  • Ireland serves as a strategic gateway to the European Union and offers a strong environment for foreign direct investment.  
  • With a significant Irish American community in the state, there exists both a cultural and economic foundation on which to build deeper ties.   

Purpose and Scope of the Commission 

The SC-Ireland Trade Commission is authorized, via the legislation, to: 

  • Advance bilateral trade and investment between South Carolina and Ireland.
  • Initiate joint action on policy issues of mutual interest.
  • Promote business and academic exchanges between South Carolina and Ireland.
  • Encourage mutually beneficial economic support and infrastructure investment.
  • Address other issues determined by the Commission.

Structure and Membership 

The Commission comprises 15 members appointed from across state leadership: 

  • Seven members appointed by the Governor (including the Secretary of Commerce or designee, the Commissioner of Agriculture or designee, two higher-education representatives, two members of the Irish-American community in S.C., and one representative of a South Carolina business/trade organization)
  • Four members appointed by the President of the Senate (two must be Senate members)
  • Four members appointed by the Speaker of the House (two must be House members)
  • Members serve terms of four years (with initial staggered terms) and may be re-appointed. The Commission meets and holds hearings at locations across South Carolina.

What This Means for South Carolina

By formalizing this partnership, South Carolina has a structured, strategic channel to:

Attract new Irish investment and create jobs across sectors.

Expand academic and workforce-development exchange opportunities.

Build infrastructure partnerships that reflect a global economy.

Capitalize on Ireland’s growth, innovation and connectivity into Europe and deepen South Carolina’s global business footprint.

Next Steps and How to Engage 

For businesses, academic institutions, or organizations interested in exploring opportunities connected with Ireland, the Commission offers: 

  • A formal platform to initiate introductions and collaborations with Irish counterparts.
  • A conduit to leverage SC Commerce’s international network.
  • A means to participate in policy-, trade- and investment-oriented discussions and initiatives that impact South Carolina and Ireland.

South Carolina-Ireland Committee Members