When a South Carolinian helps assemble a tire or an airplane in our state, the sky is truly the limit as to where that product can land. In fact, with South Carolina companies now exporting to 198 countries, the opportunity to move S.C.-made goods and materials to all corners of the world is boundless.
Announced in last week's trade report, for the 10th year in a row, S.C. export sales climbed to a historic high in 2019, reaching $41.5 billion. That figure represents a 19.7% increase over the 2018 total and ranks South Carolina 11th among all states. Additionally, South Carolina clinched the number one spot again in leading the nation in the export sales of both completed passenger vehicles and tires.
South Carolina is a leader in the production of some pretty remarkable things - premium automobiles, wide-body commercial aircraft, boats, appliances and so much more. And, while we excel at making these advanced products and materials, we also excel at selling them around the world.
As we look to expand our international footprint in the years ahead, we will continue to work hard to ensure the Palmetto State remains the best place to do business.