April 2025 Recap: South Carolina’s Business and Economic Pulse

April 2025 Recap: South Carolina’s Business and Economic Pulse

Welcome back to ColaPop — your monthly source for everything shaping business and the economy right here in South Carolina. April was a busy month across the Palmetto State, from major plant closures to heated debates over international trade impacts. Let’s dive into the biggest headlines you need to know.

Big Shifts in South Carolina’s Industry Scene

In a surprising move, Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) announced the permanent closure of its soybean processing facility in Kershaw, SC.

This facility, one of ADM’s smaller operations, employed between 11 and 50 workers. The decision is part of a larger trend — many major agricultural companies are cutting costs amid weaker biofuel demand and global trade uncertainty.

For South Carolina, this signals a larger issue: smaller towns dependent on single industries are more vulnerable to big corporate decisions. As federal policies around clean energy and trade evolve, rural areas may face more economic headwinds in 2025 and beyond.

Meanwhile, over in Spartanburg, BMW found itself in an unexpected political storm.

After heavy criticism from a White House adviser labeling BMW’s U.S. operations a “scam,” state officials rallied behind the automaker. BMW is a huge force in South Carolina’s economy, investing over $15 billion and employing more than 11,000 people in the region.

This political drama highlights just how closely tied South Carolina’s economic success is to global manufacturers. In a world where federal trade tensions can shift overnight, states like ours — rich in foreign direct investment — will need strong leadership to protect those partnerships.

Updates from the State House

April also saw progress on the state budget front. The South Carolina Senate advanced a plan that includes significant raises for public employees, including teachers and law enforcement.

These discussions show the state’s continued effort to balance economic growth with reinvestment in its workforce — a critical step to keeping South Carolina competitive as the population continues to boom.

At the same time, conversations about fiscal accountability have been heating up. With tax revenues strong thanks to robust real estate development and corporate growth, lawmakers are debating how to best allocate surplus funds without losing their reputation for low taxes.

Quick Hits You Shouldn’t Miss

• Charleston’s Tech Scene Is Booming: Several Charleston startups secured major funding rounds in April, signaling continued momentum for tech innovation along the coast.

• Tourism Hits Record Highs: Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head both reported record-breaking spring visitor numbers, giving a major boost to local economies heading into the summer.

• Housing Affordability Crunch Continues: Home prices across the Midlands and Upstate rose another 4% month-over-month, according to the South Carolina Realtors Association.

  
  

  First-time buyers continue to feel the squeeze as inventory remains historically low.

What It All Means

Overall, South Carolina’s economy continues to show resilience — but April proved that it’s not without challenges. Global trade politics, industry shifts, and rapid population growth are reshaping the landscape faster than ever.

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or investor in South Carolina, the key takeaway this month is clear: stay nimble, stay informed, and stay connected to what’s happening at the state and national levels.

ColaPop will be here every month to keep you ahead of the curve.