South Carolina led the nation in some export sales in 2016
Recently referred to as an "industrial powerhouse" by esteemed Wells Fargo economist Mark Vitner, South Carolina has enjoyed unprecedented economic growth over the last six years; and, as a result, our businesses are having international success like never before. So, what has driven the state's rise to international prominence? The answer is simple -- our people are good at making things. And, more importantly, we're good at 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.
As noted in S.C. Commerce's year-end report, South Carolina led the nation in the export sales of some pretty complex products in 2016. For example, the Palmetto State ranked first in the export of completed passenger vehicles last year, accounting for 18 percent of the total U.S. market share. And, we continue to see tremendous growth in the sales of several of these top commodities. In the last two years alone, South Carolina's export sales of aircraft have increased by more than 300 percent.
With more than 70 percent of the world's purchasing power located outside of the United States, we at S.C. Commerce recognize the importance of continuing to increase our international trade activity. To all South Carolina companies looking to expand their global footprint, I encourage you to reach out to our international trade team and take advantage of the available resources.