Most American consumers prefer to buy products that are manufactured in the United States. Actually, according to a recent Consumer Reports survey, an overwhelming majority of 80% say they would rather buy goods that were made in the USA. And 60% would even be willing to pay an extra ten percent for them.
Are we simply seeing a patriotic gesture with these figures? Not at all. Most Americans believe that the quality and safety of products manufactured here are superior to those that are imported. And they are fully aware that buying Made-in-the-USA strengthens not only the national economy but also local businesses and all who are employed by them.
On a practical level, Americans can see the closing price gap between goods made here and those imported from China, for instance. The average wages for Chinese workers have been steadily rising, and while they are still well below those of their American counterparts, substantially higher productivity in this country means the gap is now minimal.
So, if the appeal of foreign goods is diminishing and buying American-made products makes more sense than ever, how do we go about identifying goods that are made in the USA and are there even more compelling reasons for doing so?
What is “Made in America”?
According to standards set by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), most manufactured goods that are advertised as “Made in the USA” are required to have been “all or virtually all” made in the U.S. And that means that “all significant parts and processing that go into the product must be of US origin. That is, the product should contain no–or negligible–foreign content,” according to their website.
Cars are treated differently. Because of the American Automobile Labeling Act, a label with the U.S./Canada content percentage and any additional related information must be displayed on vehicles up to the time of their first retail sale. Automakers must list the percentage of equipment in the car that originated in the US or Canada, along with the final assembly location, and country of origin for both the engine and transmission.
Why does all this matter?
You might try to convince yourself that with your busy life and a tight budget it makes sense to choose products with the lowest prices. After all, how much difference can a “Made in the USA” label mean anyway?
The simple truth is that it matters a lot! Here are just some of the reasons to buy American. You might not have thought about this very much, but give these some serious consideration:
· Guaranteed quality and longevity of manufactured products
· Job creation for today’s workers and future generations
· Keeps the United States independent by decreasing its reliance on imports
· It helps to reduce our trade deficit
· It ensures that manufacturers are paying minimum wages and that the United States Labor Laws are being enforced
· Manufacturing goods in the United States means that foreign nations cannot hold the country hostage when diplomatic relationships are strained
This list is by no means exhaustive. Keep in mind that when jobs are outsourced to a foreign country, it’s usually a one-way trip. They seldom return. The reasons to take the time to check for a “Made in the USA” label are compelling.
The American economy depends on manufacturing. And manufacturing depends on the American consumer.
Conclusion
SEA-LECT Plastics is proud to be a “made in the USA” custom plastic injection molding manufacturer. We’ve mastered the intricacies of custom injection molding and we apply that knowledge to every project. Our clients are more to us than just another job; from design to production, we’re here for you.
Contact us @ (425)-339-0288 or email info@sealectplastics.mystagingwebsite.com