Day: March 3, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) and South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) today announced that the state’s 2025 export sales grew 1.5%, reaching $38.5 billion — the highest value in seven years — as reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

The 2025 export sales underscore the continued global demand for South Carolina-made products. South Carolina was again the nation’s top exporter of both completed passenger vehicles and tires. The state also ranked second nationally in the export of ball/roller bearings, commonly used in the automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery and energy sectors.

Motor vehicles and parts, aircraft and parts, and machinery and parts were South Carolina’s most exported commodities in 2025. Aircraft and parts’ market share rose 31% from 2024, while completed passenger vehicles generated the most significant share of export sales revenue, totaling $11.8 billion.

South Carolina’s top five exported commodities in 2025, by percentage share, were:

1. Motor vehicles and parts
2. Aircraft and parts
3. Machinery and parts
4. Plastics
5. Tires

South Carolina exported goods to countries across Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

South Carolina companies looking to expand their global markets can explore S.C. Commerce’s export incentives or contact the international trade team.

“South Carolina once again led the country in the export of passenger vehicles and tires, reflecting the strength of our manufacturing industry. Reaching the highest export value in seven years is the result of a skilled workforce and the confidence global markets place in products made in our state.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster 

“South Carolina’s strong export sales last year demonstrate the strength of our economy and the power of our advanced manufacturing sector. International trade remains a cornerstone of the state’s growth and development, providing opportunities for long-term success.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“More than 70% of cargo exported through South Carolina Ports’ facilities originates from companies in South Carolina, higher than any other major container port on the East Coast. South Carolina’s advanced manufacturers, agricultural producers and businesses rely on SC Ports’ efficient operations to remain competitive, and reach the global markets that demand their products.”
-SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace

Source: South Carolina Department of Commerce

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By Austin Edwards

Given the climate and sheer number of people of all ages moving to the Palmetto State, it has been somewhat surprising — not to mention, disappointing (to me, at least) — that South Carolina has been so late to the game when it comes to padel.

Granted, the state was initially an early adopter of padel, with its first court (which I actually had a hand in helping to make happen) opening at the Columbia Racquet Club all the way back in December 2022.

However, until very recently the only other court in the state was a single temporary court here in Charleston at the LTP Daniel Island tennis complex that hosts the women’s pro tennis tournament known as the Credit One Charleston Open.

Yet, all of the sudden, padel is now starting to explode across the state…

This is thanks to:

• The two outdoor courts that were recently opened at the Roy Barth Tennis Center at the Kiawah Island Resort, about 25 miles southwest of Charleston…
• Two more outdoor courts being added at LTP Daniel Island (bringing the total there to three)…
• An additional two outdoor courts being added to the private Daniel Island Club just across the street from LTP Daniel Island later this year…
• The opening of 40Forty Padel Club, a two-court outdoor venue in Mauldin, SC, just outside of Greenville…
• Two private outdoor courts recently being added to The Cliffs at Mountain Park residences in Marietta, SC…
• A third location of pATL opening in Mt. Pleasant, SC, (just across the Ravenel Bridge from Charleston) with six indoor courts plus a stadium court…
• At least one outdoor court reportedly being added to Snee Farm Country Club, also in Mt. Pleasant…
• A two-court club known as The Point Racket and Social Club set to open in the spring of 2026 on Johns Island, SC, and…
• Two outdoor courts set to be added to the Charleston Racquet Club sometime in late 2026 (along with more singles and doubles squash courts and even one of only about a dozen real-tennis courts in the U.S.).

Add it all up, and you’ll discover that in the space of less than a year, the number of padel courts in the Palmetto State is set to soar from just two to more than two dozen.

Of this incredible — and rather sudden — growth, Nick Saltmarsh, a former college tennis player turned padel addict and entrepreneur (who is preparing to open The Point Racket and Social Club mentioned above) tells me:

“Charleston’s combination of year-round playable climate and deeply rooted racquet sports culture creates an ideal environment for padel’s introduction to the Lowcountry.

The region’s active, health-conscious population, with a median age of 36, is already seeking the next evolution in social racket sports. With the metro area growing three times faster than the national average and Charleston’s emphasis on community-oriented recreation, padel fills a clear gap between the accessibility of pickleball and the heritage of tennis.”

He also proudly adds, “The Point Racket and Social Club will serve as a hub for this emerging sport, offering a premium yet welcoming space where the region’s vibrant social culture can thrive on court.”

Catching up — and pushing ahead…

While two-dozen-plus padel courts is admittedly still just a drop in the bucket compared to other warm-weather states like California, Texas, and Florida, it will actually catapult South Carolina ahead of states like Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Nevada, and Virginia when it comes to total court count.

Of course, from the look of things, all those states will continue to add more courts and clubs as well. But, for now, it’s just nice to see my home state of South Carolina claiming its place on the padel map.

Harry Miley, the founder and owner of the Columbia Racquet Club (where S.C.’s first court was built) shares my enthusiasm, telling me:

“I’m not surprised at all at that pace of growth we’re starting to see… padel is addictive! Less than an hour after setting foot on a padel court for the first time at the Kinetic Club in Florida, I said, ‘we’re going to build one of these’ — and we did. I’m just so happy to finally see the addictive powers of padel start to spread across North and South Carolina three years after we built ours.”

Source: Padel Nation

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