GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. — The timber industry in South Carolina is facing severe challenges following the closure of major mills, such as the International Paper mill in Georgetown and the WestRock plant in Charleston. These shutdowns have left local loggers scrambling to find new markets for their products, particularly pulpwood, which is crucial for paper production.
A Vital Industry for South Carolina’s Economy
The forestry sector plays a vital role in South Carolina’s economy, contributing over $23 billion and employing a significant number of people in the state, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Despite its importance, the loss of pulpwood markets due to mill closures has sparked concern across the industry.
Chip Campsen, chairman of the Senate Fish, Game, and Forestry Committee, emphasized the scale of the problem. “A lot of people are shocked to hear that, but that’s true. The number one industry by payroll. The problem is we have lost the market for our pulpwood,” said Campsen.
He added, “If you lose your market for pulpwood, you really can’t economically grow any timber in South Carolina,” underscoring the critical impact of these closures on the state’s forestry economy.
The Economic Impact of Market Loss
Data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis reveals that the value of forest agricultural products in South Carolina has dropped by 85%. This loss is compounded by difficulties in expanding infrastructure at the Charleston port to handle wood products, with Campsen mentioning that Port Authority resistance has hindered progress on this front…