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The South Carolina Department of Commerce and the State Ports Authority recently announced the state’s 2007 exports totaled more than $16.5 billion in goods sold to 198 countries around the world, representing a 21.6% increase over 2006 totals. In 2007, South Carolina’s 21.6% export growth ranked it 9th among the 54 states and U.S. territories and number one in the Southeast.
The state’s top 10 export industries last year were vehicles, machinery, plastics, electrical machinery, rubber, paper and paperboard, organic chemicals, optics and medical equipment, wood pulp, and manmade staple fibers. Of the top 25 product sectors, the sector that experienced the greatest export growth in 2007 was iron and steel, which rose 105.7% totaling more than $163 million. This increase was followed closely by the aircraft and spacecraft sector which rose 105.6% with exports totaling nearly $94 million. Other growing export product sectors included automobiles – up 64.4%, aluminum – up 31.8%, copper products - up 28.9%, and paper and paperboard – up 27.6% (all compared to 2006 totals). “As South Carolina’s exports continue to grow, so do the businesses engaged in export activity in our state. South Carolina’s diverse economy is producing more products enjoyed by more people all around the world and this export growth directly translates into job opportunities for South Carolinians. Last year’s numbers are also a testament that the state’s business-friendly climate is working to strengthen our ability to compete in the global economy,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce. Posting an 80% increase from 2006, Germany replaced Canada as South Carolina’s number one export market in 2007, purchasing more than $3.76 billion in products. Germany’s top purchases closely mirrored the state’s overall exports including: vehicles, machinery, electrical machinery, paper and paperboard, and optics and medical equipment. Rounding out the top 10 export markets in 2007 in order of rank were Canada at number two, Mexico, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, Japan, Belgium, France, and Brazil. “Goods made and grown in South Carolina are finding markets around the world through our state's ports. Strong outbound volume over the past few months indicate that exports continue to increase,” said Bernard S. Groseclose, Jr., President and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority. Of the top 15 countries, three of South Carolina’s most impressive growth markets in 2007 were the United Arab Emirates – up 201.8% and moving up eleven slots to 15; Australia – up 57.8% and moving up two places to sixth; and South Africa – up 42.7% and moving up two positions to number 11. Automobiles, machinery, electrical machinery, and aircraft exports played large roles in these increases. South Carolina’s 2007 Exports also revealed that:
(Image provided by South Carolina Department of Commerce.)
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