COLUMBIA, SC (AP) -
The value of South Carolina's exports has reached a record high.
Gov. Nikki Haley and state commerce officials said Friday that the state exported nearly $25.3 billion in goods in 2012. That's more than 2 percent higher than the $25 billion exported the previous year.
The U.S. Department of Commerce says nearly 200 countries bought South Carolina-made goods last year.
Canada was the state's top customer, buying nearly $4 billion in products in 2012. Germany and China were also big purchasers.
For the second consecutive year, South Carolina ranked No. 1 in the country for tire exports, shipping nearly 30 percent of all U.S.-made tires. The state's overall export growth was 17th-highest in the country.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.