According to a recent economic impact study, South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) establishes a US$9.7 billion economic impact in the Pee Dee area by supporting port-dependent companies.
According to Joseph Von Nessen, a research economist and professor at the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business, this economic effect supports – both directly and indirectly – 29,000 jobs in the Pee Dee region.
“South Carolina Ports is a port system for the entire state, and you can see that impact in every region. In the Pee Dee, we move cargo for agricultural producers, advanced manufacturers and retailers. We are proud to connect their products to international markets, further supporting their growth,” stated Barbara Melvin, SC Ports President and CEO.
Looking at South Carolina as a whole, port operations support 260,000 employees, which means that one in every nine jobs in the state is directly or indirectly related to SC Ports.
In 2018, SC Ports launched Inland Port Dillon to give importers and exporters a direct CSX link to the Port of Charleston. The rail-served inland port has expanded this year with strong volumes.
Melvin said, “Having a well-run port system and rail-served inland ports in South Carolina attracts port-dependent businesses to invest in our state and create new jobs. We make bold investments with big impacts. SC Ports is proud to play a role in supporting the Pee Dee region’s economy and creating opportunities in our communities. We look forward to growing together for years to come.”
