Long before companies like Michelin and BMW established significant manufacturing operations in the Palmetto State, South Carolinians were busy making things and selling those things all over the world. As our economy has matured, becoming more and more advanced, so have the items that we produce and sell. Today, we export complex items, such as cars, planes and major household appliances; and, as a result, our international trade footprint has grown drastically.
Announced this week, South Carolina exporters achieved an eighth consecutive record year in 2017, topping $32 billion in sales for the first time. A 2.9 percent increase over the 2016 total, South Carolina ranked 16th among all states this year and reached more than 190 markets around the world. Moving forward, the continued growth and diversification of our trade activity will be paramount to future economic prosperity across this state.