Americans make buying decisions everyday. With those decisions, an important factor often overlooked, but not insignificant is where the product they are buying is produced. Often, our decisions are strongly influenced by price and convenience. However, these two factors often come with unintended and overlooked costs. Just think of the impact that a shift from buying overseas to buying here in the U.S. has on our economy, our communities, our neighbors and our way of life. Numerous benefits of buying products Made in the USA are highlighted below.
WHY BUY AMERICAN?
American Jobs
Supporting, protecting, and growing jobs for Americans can be directly related to the demand for American made products. Greater demand leads to increased investments in our American workforce thereby improving the lives of Americans.
This cycle of domestic demand and investment strengthens the American manufacturing base, securing a stable economic future for communities across the nation. Furthermore, every product purchased here contributes to local and state tax bases, funding essential public services like schools, infrastructure, and emergency response.
Local Communities
Buying products Made in the USA strengthens our country at all levels with the support having material impacts on our local communities. American made products can be found all over the country - big and small cities alike. Origin US has compiled a directory of such businesses here.
If you’re interested in shopping as close to home as possible, find your state’s listing here. Supporting these local manufacturers ensures jobs remain in your neighborhood and reduces the environmental footprint associated with global shipping and logistics.
Our Economy
Buying products Made in the USA keeps your money here. In turn, reinvestments are made by business owners that help grow our economy. A stronger economy creates more opportunities for hard-working Americans. Additionally, goods sourced from and produced in the United States face less pressure from tariffs.
This freedom from unpredictable international trade costs allows American companies to offer more stable pricing and invest savings back into expanding domestic production. Furthermore, the proximity of the supply chain enables quicker response times to market demands and fosters greater innovation right here in the U.S.
The Environment
Overseas products travel across the ocean upon cargo ship, are processed at ports, and moved by short-haul trucks to distribution centers or rail yards. They are then delivered via truck or railcar to their final destinations—retail stores, warehouses, or the end-consumer via carriers like USPS, FedEx, or UPS.
Now compare that process with buying directly from a company producing in the U.S. Much of the transportation touch points are removed from the journey, thereby reducing environmental impacts.
Human Rights
Labor practices outside the U.S. are often not as favorable to the employee as protected employment rights afforded to American workers. Workforce regulations are frequently non-existent or poorly enforced by governing officials in the countries that supply most overseas products.
To better ensure the product you’re buying was produced by workers protected by employment rights in safe environments, we recommend buying American. Choosing American-made goods supports workers who have a better chance of fair wages, safe working conditions, and fundamental human rights.
Made in the USA, Assembled in the USA, Sourced From, Country of Origin - What does it all mean?
Numerous disclosures, rules, and standards on country of origin exist for companies claiming to sell products Made in the USA. We take pride in making every effort to identify and promote companies who claim their products are Made in the USA. The brands chosen to be included in our directory produce the majority, if not all, products here. Please review a product’s details for more information or contact the company directly to confirm. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides standards that companies must comply with to make such country of origin statements.
In general:
Made in USA - The product is entirely or almost entirely domestic in parts and labor.
Assembled in USA - The principal assembly took place in the U.S., but it contains significant foreign parts. (e.g., "Assembled in USA from Swiss parts.")
Made in USA with Global Materials - A common hybrid label for products that are manufactured in the U.S. but rely on international supply chains for raw materials.
More details on these guidelines can be found here.
While we cannot completely confirm the validity of every product’s claim sold by the companies listed in our directory, we will research and remove any listings that do not align to our vision and the aforementioned linked standards put forth by the FTC. Please contact us with any concerns related to this.