Exports Ramp Up In South Carolina: The Palmetto State saw a record breaking year for global exports in 2024

By Kyle Peschler

South Carolina has seen the rise of many industries as the state exports more than ever before. Being in the middle of the eastern seaboard on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, South Carolina is a prime location to develop and distribute products around the U.S. and globally.

In 2024, South Carolina’s export sales totaled $38 billion, which was the highest volume for the state since 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The automotive industry led South Carolina’s exported goods, with sales that doubled the next largest industry type. South Carolina was the nation’s top exporter of both completed passenger vehicles and tires and was also second in the export of ball and roller bearings.

South Carolina’s top five commodities exported were: completed passenger vehicles; aircraft and parts; machinery and parts, including turbojets, gas turbines, and turbo propellers; plastics; and rubber tires.

In 2024, South Carolina was the top U.S. state in export sales of completed passenger vehicles, with $10.9 billion representing 18.4% of total U.S. market share. For the 10th consecutive year, South Carolina was the leader in export of tires, with sales reaching $1.8 billion, representing 36.5% of the total U.S. market share.

“Supporting international trade is a vital part of our dedication to the success of our companies from launch to legacy, and we are pleased to see efforts paying off for the businesses that call South Carolina home.”

— Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“South Carolina’s business community and workforce continue to produce top-quality products, and the world has taken notice,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “As the national leader in export sales of passenger vehicles and tires, we are further strengthening our reputation as one of the best states in the country to do business, which will help attract even more capital investment and opportunities for our people.”

“Our state remains committed to expanding our global reach and moving South Carolina-made products across the world, and last year’s impressive export sales total reflects this,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “Supporting international trade is a vital part of our dedication to the success of our companies from launch to legacy, and we are pleased to see efforts paying off for the businesses that call South Carolina home.”

Bushy Park: An Economic Powerhouse

Bushy Park is an industrial park located in Berkeley County just outside of Charleston, SC on 1,530 acres.  Home to 12 companies and over 1,300 employees, Bushy Park is an economic powerhouse. It is home to a diverse group of manufacturing and industrial companies that range from advanced fabrication to specialty chemical production. Bushy Park provides many advantages, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to establish or expand their industrial operations.

Strategic Location. Bushy Park is strategically located near major transportation routes, including highways, railways, and waterways. This proximity facilitates efficient logistics and transportation of goods, reducing costs and improving supply chain efficiency.

Comprehensive Infrastructure. The site is equipped with essential utilities such as water, electricity, and natural gas, which are crucial for industrial operations. Additionally, the presence of on-site rail access and a barge slip enhances the ease of transporting raw materials and finished products.

Cost-Effective Development. Bushy Park offers cost-effective build-to-suit options for heavy industrial sites. The availability of existing utilities and infrastructure reduces the need for additional investments, making it a financially viable option for businesses looking to expand their operations.

Support Services. Bushy Park provides a range of support services, including environmental consulting, security, emergency response, and safety protocols. These services help businesses navigate regulatory requirements and ensure compliance.

Skilled Workforce. The region boasts a well-trained and rapidly growing workforce, which is essential for the success of industrial operations. The availability of skilled labor helps businesses maintain high productivity levels and achieve operational efficiency.

Community and Quality of Life. Bushy Park is part of a vibrant community that values quality of life. Located near Charleston, SC, Bushy Park offers access to a high quality of life, with a thriving local economy, renowned cultural attractions, and top-rated schools. This makes it an attractive place for employees to live and work.

Quick Time-to-Market. With most utilities already in place and a streamlined permitting process, businesses can set up operations quickly and efficiently. This reduces the overall project timeline and allows companies to start production sooner, capturing market opportunities faster.

Recent investment announcements in Bushy Park include:

• Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, has become a major tenant at Bushy Park following its acquisition of W International’s production assets. This move strengthens NNS’s position in naval shipbuilding and defense technology. 
• Leonardo DRS is constructing a $120 million manufacturing facility at Bushy Park to support U.S. Navy submarine propulsion systems. This facility is expected to be operational by 2026.
• Evonik, a global leader in silica production, is expanding its production capacity by 50% at Bushy Park.  This will support increasing demand from the tire industry, particularly for green tires in the U.S.  

Visit www.bushyparksc.com for more information.

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