Nearly 500 Americans across the country were recently surveyed and were asked if they prefer to buy products that are labeled "Made in USA." Would they be willing to pay more for these items? Nearly 70% of the respondents indicated that they prefer American-made products. Slightly more than 83% responded that they would pay up to 20% more for products made domestically. The likely influences in this perception include rhetoric against goods made in China, loss of manufacturing jobs in the Untied States, and past experience with poorly made and inferior foreign products.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Americans would favor American-made goods. Why wouldn’t they? American manufacturing means American jobs and better economy. That should make consumers feel good about their choice, even in some small way feel like they’re contributing to their own futures and their children and grand children's futures. Aside from that, American-made goods have long benefited from a reputation of being well made and long lasting.
1. Provides Jobs for Future Generations
Our future generations matter. Jobs for our children and grandchildren are important so that they can build a life for themselves and provide for their families.
Manufacturing in the USA means guaranteed jobs for thousands of people. This happens because the more money that is invested in buying American-Made products, the increased money will then be put back into manufacturing American-Made goods. As this happens, the more the manufacturing sector will grow. By growing the manufacturing sector, more jobs are created in turn, will push more money back into the economy. This is a cycle that we can get behind to continue supporting Americans.
2. Promotes American Independence
We as Americans have pride in our nation and in our independence. Relying on another country’s exports is counter-intuitive to our sense of being and to our national pride. Our country, which was once a powerhouse on the global market, is now placing vital importance on our trade agreements with other nations, hoping to receive their goods at a low rate. We need to end our reliance on the exports of other countries and take back our independence by buying products made at home and by buying American-made products and finally taking our power back.
3. Better for the Environment
Current technologies allow manufacturing processes in the US to lean toward cleaner, renewable, and Eco-friendly practices. If we invest in American-made products, we can be sure that we are doing our part to contribute to a cleaner environment for our generation and future generations.
4. Our Government Cannot Control Foreign Labor Standards
When products are made in the USA, federal and local governments can control working conditions and ensure that minimum wages are paid and proper laws are upheld in accordance with United States Labor Laws. Importing goods from abroad means that we do not have that level of control and transparency. Sweatshops and child-labor are rampant in third-world countries where many products are manufactured. Buying foreign products supports these violations against workers abroad. Ensure you are helping your fellow Americans by looking for “Made in the USA”.
5. Boosts American Investment Opportunities
American manufacturing means investment and finance for the American economy. The more that is pushed into national manufacturing, the more the nation’s economy will reap the benefits. With growth in manufacturing comes an increase in investment opportunities for Americans.
6. Guaranteed Quality of Goods
The term “Made in the USA” speaks of quality, excellent craftsmanship and a superior product. Continuing to use foreign imports gives no guarantee of quality. While shipments and products can be monitored, there is no true guarantee of the imported goods quality and longevity.
7. Guaranteed Safer and Fair Working Conditions
OSHA oversees safe working conditions in the manufacturing industry. There are controls and regulations in place to minimize accidents, while granting rights to employees. Foreign countries may not have the same level of health and safety and imports contribute to unsafe conditions for thousands of workers.
8. Helps to Reduce the Deficit
USA has a trade deficit that needs to be addressed and eliminated. Investing in American-Made products will boost the American economy which, in turn, will reduce the deficit.
9. Avoid Foreign Political Debates
Importing goods into the country can produce a whole host of barriers and obstacles, particularly with nations whose diplomatic relationships may be tense. Manufacturing in the USA means these potential obstacles can simply be removed.
10. Outsourced Manufacturing Plants Rarely Return to the US
One less considered factor is that once a product has been outsourced to a foreign country, in most cases it will never again be manufactured in the US. That avenue of potential business has vanished. This must be avoided at all costs to strengthen our economic standing domestically, while eliminating our reliance on foreign goods.
So, are American-made products worth their price? Absolutely. The price reflects the fair market value of a product made to standards that are fair to workers and the communities where factories operate. It will always cost more to compel a factory to make products safely and humanely, so they won’t poison our lakes, rivers and air. So that children can play instead of being forced to work. So adults can earn living wages with dignity and basic health and safety standards. The price is an investment in ourselves, our family and our neighborhoods. And worth every penny.
