South Carolina Ports play a pivotal role in the economic vitality of the Midlands region, generating an impressive $22.3 billion in economic impact annually. This constitutes a significant quarter of the overall $87 billion impact that SC Ports have across the entire state, as revealed by a recent study conducted by Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, a research economist and professor at the University of South Carolina. The latest data indicates a noteworthy 43% increase in economic impact in the Midlands since the last study in 2019.

SC Ports’ contribution goes beyond the Port of Charleston, according to Barbara Melvin, President, and CEO of SC Ports. The port actively supports various industries in the Midlands, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and paper production. By facilitating the movement of goods for both large corporations and small businesses, SC Ports cements valuable relationships with customers, delivering tangible economic benefits to the residents of the Midlands.

The impact is felt in job creation, with SC Ports directly and indirectly supporting over 67,000 jobs in the Midlands, contributing to a total labor income of $4.5 billion. Bill Stern, SC Ports Board Chairman, emphasizes the port’s significance as a crucial economic engine for the state, attracting world-class businesses that result in well-paying jobs and opportunities in the Midlands.

On a broader scale, SC Ports operations play a vital role in South Carolina’s economy, supporting a staggering 260,000 jobs statewide. Approximately 1 in 9 jobs in South Carolina is directly or indirectly linked to the operations of SC Ports. Dr. Joseph Von Nessen underscores the crucial link between the state’s economic success and the continued growth of SC Ports, as port operations attract businesses, generate substantial economic impact, and provide employment opportunities for thousands of South Carolinians.