"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature." -John D. Rockefeller
Those wise words hit particularly close to home today as the world navigates the ongoing economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this unprecedented time, however, South Carolina has shown incredible perseverance and resiliency. We continue to live up to our reputation for producing top-quality products and for our ability to transport those products around the world.
In fact, in the 2020 Trade Report released this week, Team S.C. announced our state's total export sales topped $30.3 billion last year, with S.C. exporters selling products in 195 countries and territories around the world. While this number represents a drop from the 2019 total, nearly 90% of states also reported a decrease attributed to the global pandemic.
On the heels of one of the most challenging years in history, South Carolina maintains our best-in-the-nation rankings as the U.S. leader in the export sales of tires and completed passenger motor vehicles. And, new in 2020, S.C. clinched the No. 1 spot in the export sales of ball and roller bearings.
These accomplishments underscore that international trade is an integral part of our state's identity. To continue the growth of S.C.'s export activity, S.C. Commerce offers the South Carolina Export Incentives Program, which assists small and medium-sized companies with entering new international markets. To learn more about the program, click here.
Moving forward, Team South Carolina will grow our trade footprint by assisting companies with expanding their reach internationally. And with our state's perseverance, resiliency and commitment to this strategy, we can do just that.