How many buy only "Made in America" products?

[hopeful155]

I don't know about anyone else but I strongly look for "Made in America" products for baby gear, clothes and toys whenever possible. What are your feelings about this and about buying from China?

[amma_mama]

I am pretty sure that I am going to be in the minority.

[I should disclose that I am an international trade economist by profession. And my field of business is to work with developing countries to develop competitive industries, whether it is manufacturing shoes and toys or designing software or answering your customer service request. So, in a nutshell, I am heavily biased.]

I buy from wherever I can get the best value for my money - which means both quality/trust and price are a factor. Therefore, many MIC toys are out, but others I would not hesitate to buy. Not everything "Made in America" is necessarily better quality or made under better conditions.

We just cannot expect that the USA produce everything that we want/need and I also do not have a problem in supporting the creation of jobs for those who would otherwise live in poverty. It is not all sweatshop labor out there - I have made my share of factory visits around the world. There are horror stories for sure out there, but most are safe, pay decent wages (for the level of income in the country) and take pride in their work. I think that it also does our national a dis-service to our own development to try to maintain industries that no longer are suitable for our level of development and income. At the end of the day, our nation is wealthier, as a whole, by engaging in international trade. Where would we be if we were unable to export our technology and know-how? Probably living on a $ a day. The majority of my friends and family would not have jobs if not for our ability to export US-made goods and services in exchange for goods and services from overseas.

[Gingercat]

Same here (and I'm a university professor in business/finance). I support good quality fair-trade products from all over the world whenever I can. Also I like to support small-scale industries/ family businesses and hand-made products so I shop a lot from Etsy and I really do not pay much attention if the seller is located in Greece, the US or in New Zealand.

Of course when it comes to fresh produce I always make sure to support my local farmers' market primarily for health reasons; I believe that I get the most value for my money when I buy organic and locally grown fruit and veggies.

[PenelopeJune]

I try and buy local whenever I can. I don't mind buying from non-American places, but I'm getting very afraid of buying stuff made in China, due to the numerous cases of lead, etc.

Whenever possible, I buy used or homemade. Obviously, I can't do that for everything.

But I do buy stuff made in America when it makes sense, financially and quality-wise. I bought an all-aluminum cookie sheet, made in America, the other day, and I LOVE it. It beats the tar out of the rusty, bent up non-stick ones I had before. My dishes are Corelle, because they are MIA and also very good quality. (Except the mugs are MIC. Why?)

[hopeful155]

Great responses and something I will gleam on. Thanks for giving input.

[ParisApril]

Canadian here!

When I am buying if there is a well built Canadian made product for sale I will buy it. I do/will not buy anything that is not made to last.