Seamless Global Connections

International commerce has been a key driver of the Charleston economy since 1670. With one of the world's most productive, deepwater seaports, quick access to international air hubs at JFK, Atlanta, and Dulles, dual rail service, multiple interstates, and highly reliable communications infrastructure, Charleston provides companies a seamless connection to world markets.

For companies looking to export and import, Charleston’s central East Coast location and access to one of the fastest-growing markets in the U.S.—the Southeast—are strategic advantages. The Port of Charleston offers the deepest harbor in the south Atlantic and provides global access to 150+ countries.

1
day from ship to SC Inland Port
60
min. average 2-way truck turn
29
days from Shanghai to Atlanta
13
of 15 top container lines
500
ton barge crane
$2.6
Billion in planned CAPEX
52ft
(15.85m) depth following harbor deepening project
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Nearly one-third of the U.S. population resides within 500 mi/800 km of the Charleston region

Port of Charleston

The most productive and the fastest growing port in North America. With the deepest harbor in the south Atlantic, Charleston is the only port in the Southeastern U.S. efficiently handling fully-loaded post-Panamax vessels.

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Foreign Trade Zones

Companies involved in international trade can take advantage of nearly a dozen general-purpose sites with Foreign Trade Zone 21, comprising almost 8,000 acres (3,238 hectares) of space. FTZs are restricted-access sites that allow businesses to store and process goods or raw materials duty and quota free until being transported into the Customs territory of the United States or into another NAFTA country (Canada and Mexico).

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Industrial Real Estate

Charleston | SC 2023 Q4: Appx 70-80 million SF of industrial real estate in the market with 7 million SF under construction.

Source: Q4 2023 market reports from CBRE, Avison Young and Bridge Commercial. Search Now

Warehousing Logistics Solutions

The most productive and the fastest growing port in North America. With the deepest harbor in the south Atlantic, Charleston is the only port in the Southeastern U.S. efficiently handling fully-loaded post-Panamax vessels.

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Logistics Companies

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Barbara Melvin

President and CEO
SC Ports

"Port-dependent businesses locating in South Carolina benefit from having direct access to a well-run port with capacity. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports serves as a reliable supply chain partner with highly productive operations to keep freight moving. By proactively investing in critical port infrastructure, SC Ports is equipped to continue providing world-class port service to support companies’ growth throughout the region and the state."

Trade-Related Resources

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Logistics Charleston

Offering seamless connections to global markets