Officials: SC exports set record high in 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The value of South Carolina’s exports has reached a record high.

Gov. Nikki Haley and state commerce officials said Friday that the state exported nearly $25.3 billion in goods in 2012. That’s more than 2 percent higher than the $25 billion exported the previous year.

The U.S. Department of Commerce says nearly 200 countries bought South Carolina-made goods last year.

Canada was the state’s top customer, buying nearly $4 billion in products in 2012. Germany and China were also big purchasers.

For the second consecutive year, South Carolina ranked No. 1 in the country for tire exports, shipping nearly 30 percent of all U.S.-made tires. The state’s overall export growth was 17th-highest in the country.