Here’s SC Ports’ impact on the Midlands region of South Carolina

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By moving cargo for port-dependent businesses, South Carolina Ports makes a $22.3 billion economic impact in the Midlands region each year, according to a news release.

That represents a quarter of SC Ports’ $87 billion annual economic impact across the state, according to a recent study by research economist and University of South Carolina professor Dr. Joseph Von Nessen. New data show a 43% increase in economic impact in the Midlands since the previous study was performed in 2019, the release stated.

“These numbers show that SC Ports’ value to South Carolina extends well beyond the Port of Charleston,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said in the release. “In the Midlands, we’re supporting advanced manufacturers, healthcare companies, retailers and paper producers, moving goods for large companies and small businesses alike. These relationships with our customers provide a proven economic benefit to Midlands residents.”

By keeping freight moving for SC companies, SC Ports directly and indirectly supports more than 67,000 jobs in the Midlands, with labor income totaling $4.5 billion, according to the release.

“SC Ports is a tremendous asset to South Carolina,” SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern said in the release. “A well-run port system brings world-class businesses to the state, which in turn means good-paying jobs and opportunities right here in the Midlands. SC Ports is proud to be a true economic engine for our state’s residents.”

Looking at South Carolina overall, port operations support 260,000 jobs, meaning 1 in 9 jobs in South Carolina are tied directly or indirectly to SC Ports, according to the release.

“Port operations attract port-dependent businesses to locate or expand throughout the state, generating billions in economic impact and supporting thousands of jobs for South Carolinians,” Von Nessen said. “Our state’s economic success is directly linked to SC Ports’ continued growth.”