Look in your closet, kitchen, and living room. How many items can you find that are made in the USA? Most of us will find more products manufactured in other countries. I have been consciously choosing America-made products for the last several years when it is available. A bitter truth is that some items are not made in the United States at all. Some of us has taken economics classes and are familiar to the specialization of production and trading based on absolute advantage and comparative advantage a country has over other countries. But is the efficiency everything?
The main reason I purchase American products is the environmental concerns. The regulations we have in this country is not perfect but are still more effective than in many other countries. If the price we pay for a cheap foreign product does not include the true cost of production, such as polluted soil and water or compromised product safety, is a cheap product really worth saving a few dollars?
Fortunately, with the rising costs of manufacturing overseas and safety issues, some manufacturers are bringing back jobs and producing goods made by American workers. Other companies maintain their production in the US despite severe competition. In order to avoid the extinction of the American products, consumer awareness and support are inevitable. It is a good news, in a way. Each of us could direct where our money goes.
Links
Made in USA Challenge
This site explains why we American consumers should purchase products made in America.
10 items you didn't know were made in America
This article introduces a short list of products made in the US.
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