Greenville Area Among Top Exporters in U.S.

The Columbia Regional Business Report is reporting that the Greenville metro area ranked No. 25 nationally in exports, citing data released last week by the U.S. Commerce Department. 

The Greenville metro area includes Mauldin and Easley, and saw the fourth largest year-to-year increase in exports in the United States, according to the report. 

Exports from the area spiked from $3 billion to $11.7 billion in 2011, a 34 percent increase compared to 2010, according to the International Trade Administration.

The Greenville area accounted for nearly half the entire state's exports. The Charleston area exported the second most product in the state last year, according to the report. 

Overall, S.C. exports in 2011 totaled $24.7 billion. Germany was the largest market receiving $4 billion, or 16.2% of the state’s total exports, followed by Canada, $3.7 billion; China, $3 billion; Mexico, $1.8 billion; and the United Kingdom, $1.4 billion.