In the first quarter of 2018, the state of South Carolina exported more than $300 million in plastics, a 12 percent increase, year-over-year. Accounting for more than $1.1 billion of the state’s export sales total in 2017, South Carolina’s plastics industry is critical to the health of the state’s economy.
Recognizing this, Team South Carolina is working hard to advance the plastics industry in our state. Last week, a delegation of existing industry leaders, state and community officials and economic development allies attended NPE 2018, one of the world’s leading plastics industry trade shows. The event allowed participating South Carolina businesses the opportunity to build relationships with potential customers and distributors, further expanding the state’s export footprint.
More than just a driver of international trade activity, South Carolina’s plastics industry is also responsible for some of the state’s industry recruitment success. Over the last two years alone, companies like Ascend Performance Materials, Jiangnan Mold Plastic Technology Corporation, WG Plastics Technology Corporation and EuWe Eugen Wexler US Plastics, Inc. have made significant investments in South Carolina. Collectively, the four firms have announced the creation of approximately 250 new jobs since the beginning of 2016.
Moving forward, as Team South Carolina seeks to remain a player on the global industry stage, the continued growth of our plastics industry will be crucial. So, whether it be through export opportunities or industry recruitment efforts, plastics will continue to be a key component of South Carolina’s economic growth strategy.