South Carolina’s Export Sales Total $38 Billion in 2024

Automotive industry drives export success; BMW remains No. 1 exporter

South Carolina is once again the nation’s No. 1 exporter of completed passenger vehicles, and remains the nation’s No. 1 exporter of tires for 10 consecutive years, according to a report from the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

And Upstate-based BMW Manufacturing Co. leads the way as the nation’s No. 1 exporter of vehicles by value. The company’s Plant Spartanburg shipped nearly 225,000 vehicles last year, representing $10 billion in export value.

South Carolina’s exports grew in 2024, reaching $38 billion in total sales. This marks the highest export volume since 2019, reinforcing the Palmetto State’s position as a leader in manufacturing of products traded globally.

“Plant Spartanburg has been an important location in our production network for over 30 years and is now the largest BMW Group plant globally,” said BMW Board Member Milan Nedeljkovic. This marks at least the 10th year since 2014 that BMW’s plant has ranked as the country’s No. 1 automotive exporter by value. See more on the Automotive industry in Upstate SC.

South Carolina’s top five exported commodities in 2024 by percentage share were:

1. Completed passenger vehicles
2. Aircraft and parts
3. Machinery and parts (turbojets, turbopropellers, gas turbines, ball and roller bearings, appliances for boilers and pumps)
4. Plastics
5. Rubber (tires)

Fast Facts

• 2024 export sales totaled $38 billion, the highest volume since 2019. This sales figure represents a 2% increase year-over-year and is in line with overall U.S. exports which also saw 2% growth.
• 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 national leader in the export of tires, with sales reaching $1.8 billion, representing 36.5% of the total U.S. market share.
• South Carolina exports reached 197 countries and territories in 2024.
• South Carolina is also number two in the country in exports of ball/roller bearings with 11% of U.S. market share.
• Germany solidified its position as the number one export market for South Carolina-made products and services, accounting for nearly $5 billion ($4.98 billion) and representing a 6% increase year-over-year, followed by Canada and Mexico.
• Aircraft exports from South Carolina to South Korea and the United Kingdom registered a big increase, propelling the two countries to the top six export partners.

Quotes

“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 these efforts paying off for the businesses that call South Carolina home.”

“South Carolina’s advanced manufacturers, automakers, tire producers, agricultural shippers and other businesses depend on South Carolina Ports to efficiently move their goods to global markets,” said SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin. “SC Ports provides reliable, highly productive port service to ensure S.C.-based businesses can successfully run operations and grow their businesses. We are proud to support our state’s thriving economy.”

With a strong manufacturing base, skilled workforce and well-connected logistics network, South Carolina — and its export success — continues to reinforce the state’s reputation in global business.