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South Carolina Strengthens Economic Ties with Canada

South Carolina and Canada Economic Partnership

News Summary

South Carolina is experiencing a major uptick in economic relations with Canada, highlighted by a historic $5 billion in investments. Canadian Ambassador Kirsten Hillman visited to discuss enhancing trade ties as South Carolina’s exports to Canada reach nearly $5 billion annually. With 154 Canadian firms operating in the state and recent announcements of new job-creating investments, South Carolina’s economy stands to benefit significantly. This partnership also extends to tourism, defense, and automotive manufacturing, promising growth and cooperation between the regions.

South Carolina is witnessing a significant surge in economic relations with Canada, marked by a historic $5 billion in inward investments, the highest level in a decade. This revitalization of trade ties has been highlighted during discussions by Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman, who visited the state to explore and strengthen these connections.

As of March 2024, South Carolina exports nearly $5 billion in goods and services annually to Canada, indicating that Canadian markets account for over 13% of the state’s total exports. Canada has secured its position as South Carolina’s second-largest trading partner, only trailing Germany. This increase is remarkable, especially considering the overall decline of 2.2% in U.S. exports throughout the same period; South Carolina’s export numbers have actually grown by 18% to reach a total of $37.3 billion.

Currently, there are 154 Canadian-owned firms actively operating within South Carolina, supporting approximately 13,450 jobs. Recently, two new Canadian companies announced significant expansion plans in the state, set to create 845 new jobs. Niagara Pharmaceuticals is establishing its first U.S. facility in Cherokee County, committing to a $9 million investment, which will yield 45 positions focused on producing eye wash products. Meanwhile, Silfab Solar plans to invest $150 million in York County, establishing a manufacturing hub for solar cell technology and creating around 800 jobs.

Ambassador Hillman noted that Canadian businesses are increasingly drawn to South Carolina’s favorable growth conditions and its business-friendly environment, which plays a crucial role in enhancing investment plans. This relationship is particularly vital for the automotive production sector, which is a cornerstone for both partners’ economies, as South Carolina continues to develop its automotive manufacturing capabilities.

Additionally, Canada remains the largest source of foreign tourists for South Carolina, with estimates of 10,000 to 15,000 Canadian visitors each year. The introduction of a new daily international flight from Toronto to Charleston is expected to further bolster tourism and strengthen cultural ties between the two regions.

Furthermore, Canada and the U.S. maintain a solid defense relationship, with over 1,000 Canadian forces stationed in the U.S. for various joint operations and educational initiatives. This supportive military alliance complements the strong economic ties and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts across various sectors.

Hillman emphasized the ongoing commitment to nurture and sustain this beneficial economic partnership between Canada and South Carolina. Such dedicated efforts from both sides not only promise greater economic prosperity but also foster a deeper understanding and cooperation that can reverberate across multiple facets of economic and community life.

In light of these developments, it is clear that South Carolina is poised to benefit from an increasingly robust relationship with Canada, as new investments and job creations set a promising trajectory for continued growth and expansion.