International News

South Carolina is home to 1,200 operations of foreign-based firms, employing a nation-leading seven percent of the state’s workforce. In total, more than 130,000 South Carolinians are employed by an international company, making it critical for community leaders across the state to understand etiquette and protocol related to a variety of cultures.

The globalization of the U.S. and South Carolina economies has been a driving force in the business growth that’s taken place within our borders. As we seek to retain and build upon our position on the global industrial stage, providing companies continued access to markets all over the world will be critical.

By: Nadia Theodore
Consul General of Canada to the U.S. Southeast
Special to Commerce Communications

The numbers show just how important Canadian trade and investment are to South Carolina. TD Bank, which employs 1,600 people in Greenville might be obvious, but what about Magna Seating, Haile Gold Mine, Roya Foods, Caristrap International and the 1,000 South Carolina jobs those firms represent?

More than four decades ago, the State of South Carolina established its first international presence with an office in Europe. Today, S.C. Commerce has representation on the ground in five different countries, including China. Pictured to the right with Governor Henry McMaster are members of the China office -- Glen Wu, Zhao Le and Joseph Hsu.

Accounting for more than $3.7 billion of South Carolina's export sales total in 2017, Canada is one of the state's top trade partners year in and year out.

In 2017, South Carolina’s exporters achieved an eighth consecutive record year in export sales, topping $32 billion for the first time. To celebrate this international trade success and recognize some of the companies leading the way, S.C.

This week, South Carolina’s 2017 export sales totals were announced. After achieving an eighth consecutive record year, it’s clear that the state’s international trade footprint will only continue to grow, bringing new opportunities for businesses across South Carolina.   

More than four decades ago, the State of South Carolina established its first international presence with an office in Europe. Today, S.C. Commerce has representation on the ground in five different countries, with its newest being in South Korea. While visiting South Carolina last week, we caught up with Jonathan Cleave, the managing director of the South Korea office.

Despite separation by the Appalachian Mountain Range and several Great Lakes, it’s only little more than  a half-day’s drive to one of South Carolina’s top economic partners – Canada.

More than 70 percent of the world’s purchasing power is located outside of the United States. Recognizing this, S.C. Commerce works to support South Carolina companies seeking to expand their international footprints and take advantage of the opportunities that exist in foreign markets.