SC Ports and Partners Help Farmers Export Surplus Soybeans, Boosting Exports through Port of Charleston

Strategic Insights -

When a large soybean processing facility in South Carolina suddenly closed in the spring, SC Ports collaborated with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) and private stakeholders to develop export outlets for area farmers. As a result, farmers were able to quickly work through a surplus of over three million bushels of soybeans, exporting them through the Port of Charleston between May and August.

Key Takeaways:

  • SC Ports partnered with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) and private stakeholders to develop export outlets for area farmers, helping them work through a surplus of over three million bushels of soybeans.
  • The partnership resulted in the export of more than three million bushels of soybeans through the Port of Charleston between May and August, with 2,800 export containers moving through Inland Port Dillon.
  • Exports at Inland Port Dillon were boosted by 35% for the first two months of fiscal year 2026, with the facility moving more than 2,800 export containers.
  • The SCDA coordinated with agribusinesses to support the program and is using the Growing Agribusiness Fund to incentivize other projects in support of soybean farmers, including the expansion of South Carolina Farm Bureau's Anderson Elevator.
  • The state's farmers harvested 390,000 acres of soybeans last year, making it South Carolina's largest crop by acreage.

Statistics:

  • Over three million bushels of soybeans were exported through the Port of Charleston between May and August.
  • Exports at Inland Port Dillon were boosted by 35% for the first two months of fiscal year 2026.
  • 2,800 export containers moved through Inland Port Dillon, with an additional 1.2 million bushels moving through other ports.
  • The SCDA is using the Growing Agribusiness Fund, established in 2023, to support soybean farmers.
  • The state's farmers harvested 390,000 acres of soybeans last year.

Sources:

  • South Carolina State Ports Authority
  • South Carolina Department of Agriculture
  • The Charleston Post and Courier
  • The State Newspaper