10 Top Reasons To Buy “Made In The USA”
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 inthe 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.
