SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SOUTH CAROLINA TRADE AND LOGISTICS

By Gary Wollenhaupt

With an estimated population of 5.5 million residents, South Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. The state’ s economy outperformed the national average in the first quarter of 2025, showing remarkable growth in real GDP as well as personal income.

The maritime industry has been an important economic driver, with an estimated $ 1.2 billion contributed to the state economy annually. Ports within the South Carolina Ports Authority umbrella are ranked among the Top 10 busiest container ports in the United States.

SC Ports offers advantages through its strategic infrastructure expansion, with deep harbors and efficient operations that deliver faster container turnaround compared with other ports. It owns and operates four ocean terminals at the Port of Charleston, Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon.

The Port of Charleston provides quick access to the Southeast marketplace and a vast network of interior markets in the Midwest through rail, serving as a vital gateway.

Charleston has also attracted an array of export-oriented manufacturers that make the most of its location, strong infrastructure and welcoming business environment. Its public terminals serve containers, rolling stock, general cargo, project cargo and motor vehicles.

Across the board, SC Ports is optimally situated to serve the growing Southeastern US market. The Port of Charleston offers expansive coverage across various trade lanes and, this year, increased the number of weekly services calling the port from 25 to 27. Offerings currently include 11 weekly Asia services, five Indian subcontinent services and numerous first-in calls from key markets in Asia and Europe.

“ SC Ports can reassure our customers and partners that we are a stable and reliable port, offering the same trusted service that they’ ve come to expect,” said Phil Padgett, interim president and CEO of SC Ports.“ We offer a customer-first approach and deliver operational flexibility to ensure the Port of Charleston remains fluid and competitive.”

The emphasis on infrastructure improvements and service enhancements has positioned SC Ports to help carriers and beneficial cargo owners( BCOs) manage broad uncertainties with global trade.

“ BCOs are facing increased complexity in their operations due to greater variability in where they source and sell, and they are seeking to diversify gateways and ports of entry to reduce cost and risk,” Padgett said.“ Uncertainty surrounding tariffs has contributed to some frontloading, but

62 Journal of Commerce | October 6, 2025 www. joc. com