Tired of seeing virtually everything offered for sale (particularly at Wal-Mart) labeled "Made in China?" Ready to start your own personal trade war? Read on.
Remember the days when "Made in Japan" meant cheap, often highly-breakable U.S. knock-offs? Not only has China taken over that stigma but, their unregulated agriculture and food industries have added to the distrust of the "Made in China" label. Nothing turns off thousands of American consumers quite like the poisoning of Fred (baby), Fido or Fluffy, eh?
As important as it is, product safety is not the only reason many choose "Made in the U.S.A." It has become a growing trend for many reasons: the will to support local merchants, patriotism, a logical reaction to the economic crisis - all of these jump to mind from conversations with my friends. In fact, it's become so popular with the folks I know that I'm surprised China hasn't already sparked up about a trade war.
Personally, I made a conscious effort to stop sending money to China years ago but, I've continued to find it difficult when it comes to making online purchases, since many Internet retailers don't display product origins in their descriptions.
Thank the Internet, a resource has been created.
This database was originally intended to promote trade leads among Chinese factories, manufacturers, suppliers, and global buyers but, it should work nicely in the opposite mode to help recognize what not to buy. I know, it seems a little backwards to do research this way and there are "Made in the U.S.A." databases [<--NEW!] out there -- unfortunately, they just aren't so extensive. So, when in doubt, check 'em out.
Good luck with your trade wars, readers - and happy shopping. I'm off to buy some super glue for a Chinese tchotchke I have yet to replace. Hey, I never said buying exclusively American was going to be easy. ;) -- UPDATE -- Here's why:
John Smith started the day early having set his
alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6 am.
While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking,
he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG).
He put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA),
designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE)
and tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA).
After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA),
he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO)
to see how much he could spend today.
After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN)
to the radio (MADE IN INDIA)
he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY)
filled it with gas (FROM SAUDI ARABIA)
and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB.
At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day,
checking his computer (MADE IN MALAYSIA),
John decided to relax for a while.
He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL),
poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE)
and turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA),
and then wondered why he couldn’t find a good paying job IN AMERICA.
NOW HE’S HOPING HE CAN GET HELP FROM A PRESIDENT
MADE IN KENYA
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