It’s hard to make things in America. Cars, fashion, electronics are all built overseas for cheap and shipped back.
Part of this is our fault. We want cheap stuff. We’ve grown accustomed to big affordable televisions and disposable t-shirts.
But we can also blame this steady loss of American manufacturing jobs on companies who cut corners, put shareholders over customers, and fail to uphold the origin of their brands.
It is hard to make thing in America. But some companies still do it. And we should reward them with our business.
Clothing for men
Carhartt
LEVIS
MOUNTAIN TOUGH SOCKS
SOCKS4LIFE
AMERICAN GIANT
EBBETS FIELD FLANNELS
BLDWN
Shoes for men
ALLEN EDMONDS SHOES
NEW BALANCE SHOES
RED WING BOOTS
Everyday Carry
ZIPPO LIGHTERS
CASE KNIVES
Home goods
WEBER GRILLS
KITCHENAID MIXERS
AQUASANA WATER FILTERS
LASKO FANS
FIESTA DINNERWARE
BENJAMIN MOORE PAINT
PYREX GLASSWARE
ORECK XL VACUUMS
LODGE COOKWARE
VITAMIX BLENDERS
TERVIS DRINKWARE
KETTLEPIZZA OVENS
CUTCO KNIVES
Kids
AMERICAN PLASTIC TOYS
GREEN TOYS
CRAYOLA CRAYONS
K’NEX TOYS
WIFFLE BALLS
Sporting and Outdoor
IGLOO COOLERS
WILSON FOOTBALLS
LOUISVILLE SLUGGERS
HERITAGE BIKES
WIGGY’S SLEEPING BAGS
GO-KOT
AIRSTREAM TRAILERS
Self-care products
GILLETTE BLADES
BURT’S BEES PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
DR. BRONNER’S SOAP
Tools
GORILLA GLUE
CHANNELLOCK
ESTWING HANDTOOLS
LEATHERMAN MULTITOOLS
STIHL
MAGLITE
Art
DA VINCI PAINT CO.
GIBSON GUITARS
MARTIN GUITARS
When shoppers are asked why they want to buy products made in America, the most common answer is jobs. People want to buy products that support their neighbors, quality goods that last. American-made products may cost more, but there is added value.
Our Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates the “Made in USA” and “Product of USA” marketing claim, though it doesn’t award the distinction. Companies are asked to use the “Product of USA” claim in good faith.
The company using the “Made in USA” claim must be made with ingredients that are completely or virtually completely produced in the US. There are some exceptions if an ingredient goes through a complete transformation once here in the states. The final assembly must also be completed in the USA.
Our biggest manufacturing industries include petroleum, steel, cars, airplanes, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food, consumer goods, lumber, and mining. Clothing is one thing that is rarely made in the USA. In 1980, according to CBS News, 80% of our clothing was made in America. Now that number is as low as 3%. That’s why it’s so important to make the extra effort to support American jobs.
People want to support American jobs
People want American products and they are willing to pay more for those products. According to Consumer Reports:
- 84% of Americans believe that US-made products are reliable
- 80% of people who buy American believe that goods are produced under better working conditions
