What Does South Carolina Produce?

South Carolina's economy has diversified greatly over the last 100 years. What was once a largely agrarian and textile-based economy now is split almost evenly among manufacturing, services, government and other sectors, including construction. Travel and tourism alone account for 6 percent of the state's jobs and 5 percent of its gross income. It's come a long way from its historic dependence on cotton and tobacco as its staple industries.

So you thought Georgia was the Peach State?

While it is the nickname for Georgia, it is South Carolina that leads the nation in the production of peaches for the fresh market. As surprising, it ranks second only to California in overall production of peaches. Tobacco is the state's leading cash crop, however, accounting for 25 percent of agricultural income. The other major crops in the once-predominantly agricultural state are greenhouse and nursery products like herbs and ornamental trees, cotton lint, wheat and tomatoes. While South Carolina has a rich history in cotton growth, used at one time to support its once-expansive textile industry, it is the lint that is now as, if not more, important. Here is why: U.S. paper currency really isn't paper at all. It's made of 75 percent cotton lint and 25 percent linen. Between the destruction caused in the state by the Civil War and the subsequent abolition of slavery, South Carolina's economy diversified.
Georgia, by the way, got it's nickname for how luscious and juicy their peaches are. For the record, Georgia is the nation's largest producer of peanuts but who wants to be known as the Nut State?

Pickens County, a model for economic growth

As in many growth areas throughout the United States, Pickens County's growth as an industrial and automobile manufacturing hub was anchored by a prominent college devoted to applied research in the sciences. In the case of Pickens, the college is Clemson University, one of the top engineering schools in the country that is credited for its research and development and providing a skilled workforce to the area. The college has an International Center for Automotive Research, and there is the North American BMW plant nearby. Interestingly, the Pickens County website boasts in big bold letters that the county has absolutely "NO LABOR UNIONS." The area is referred to as the "Boom Belt" of Interstate 85.

Not all of South Carolina's business is homegrown.

The ports of Charleston and Georgetown export one-third of the United States exports to Germany, Canada and Great Britain. Much of it is automotive-related, due in no small part to the state's own growing automobile and related industries. Their exports are also responsible for shipping a large portion of turbines, fuel and chemical wood pulp abroad, making the two ports and their ancillary businesses significant components of the state's economy, according to the U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics.

Barbecue

No recounting of South Carolina's significant products would be complete without mention of its distinctive barbecue. It is one of the most popular and distinctive types of barbecue and is emulated throughout the United States. While not ranking high in dollar value when compared to the broiler chickens it produces and is a major industry in the state, the distinctive regional flavor of their chicken, pork and beef ribs have won high acclaim that no dollar figure could capture. And each region of the state has its own distinct flavor favorite: the thin and fiery hot pepper and vinegar sauce, the peppery tomato and milder sauce and the unusual yellow-mustard-base sauce. All have made significant culinary contributions.

The rest of South Carolina's economy

Manufacturing has become a very significant employer and producer in the state, including chemicals, wood pulp and paper products. Mining is also among the industries thriving in the state. The most valuable mined products are granite and limestone, but there is also gold in them thar hills. Being a coastal state, fishing is also a staple industry. Shrimp is the leading catch, but blue claw crabs, clams, oysters and snapper are also brought in by the boatload. The service industry is greatly boosted by a temperate year-round climate, with wholesale and retail sales being the top income producer in that sector.

References

• Facts and figures on all 50 states
• Bureau of Labor raw statistics
• Statewide roundup