Record-Breaking Exports Show South Carolina's Global Competitiveness

Statement

Record-Breaking Exports Show South Carolina's Global Competitiveness

Posted by Senator Jim DeMint

With the climate on Capitol Hill turning more protectionist, it's always heartening to hear the facts supporting the other side of the story.

The South Carolina Commerce Department announced on Monday that our state's exports jumped 22 percent in 2007 to $16.6 billion. That comes out to over $10,000 per South Carolina household, ranking us as the ninth fastest-growing in exports among the states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

South Carolina, with our friendly business climate, excellent infrastructure, and committed workforce, has always reaped the benefits of trade. Our home state products, such as BMW cars and General Electric turbines, are being sold across Germany, Canada and China, and the profits of these sales are seen in the paychecks of South Carolina families.

Rather than succumbing to election-year rhetoric, let's welcome opportunities to enter overseas market, increase the demand for American-made goods and services, and continue to keep the United States as the world's most competitive economy. This report shows once again that South Carolina has some of the finest workers in the world and we can compete and win in the international marketplace.

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