South Carolina Exports Grew 1.5 Percent in 2025

Governor Henry McMaster, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and South Carolina Ports announced that the state’s 2025 export sales grew 1.5 percent, 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 percent from 2024, while completed passenger vehicles generated the most significant share of export sales revenue, totaling $11.8 billion. 

Of all 50 states, South Carolina held the largest U.S. market share (18 percent) of completed passenger vehicle export sales, totaling $9.8 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.

“More than 70 percent 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,” said SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace. “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.”