South Carolina Ports to Pause Leatherman Terminal Operations as Trade Headwinds Mount

South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) will temporarily suspend container operations at its Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal beginning August 1, marking the latest setback for the $1 billion facility that has struggled to gain momentum since opening just over five years ago.

The port authority said Thursday it will consolidate container operations at its Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals while the industry navigates weaker cargo volumes, trade uncertainty and other market headwinds.

“We are working with our maritime partners to make this business decision to achieve long-term, sustainable growth,” SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace said in a statement. “We