Americans want to buy American products. Eh, usually, I mean, that tracks.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of U.S. consumers actively sought out Made in America products over the past year, according to a recent Morning Consult survey.
Despite economic pressures like inflation and rising interest rates, enthusiasm for domestic manufacturing remains strong. The percentage of consumers willing to pay a premium for American-made goods dropped by only four points between February 2022 and May 2023, which shows resilience in their preference for locally produced products.
So here’s the deal.
Rawlings Baseballs
Rawlings, the official supplier of baseballs to Major League Baseball, started in St. Louis in 1887, founded by George and Alfred Rawlings. In 1969, the company moved baseball production from Puerto Rico to Haiti and later to Costa Rica.
Gerber Baby Food
Founded in Michigan in 1927, Gerber became a household name in baby food. After merging with Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis in 1994, the brand was eventually acquired by Nestlé in 2007. Today, Gerber dominates the U.S. baby food market, but its products are no longer made in America.
Etch A Sketch
An American childhood staple, Etch A Sketch was made in Bryan, Ohio, until 2000, when Ohio Art moved production to Shenzhen, China.
Converse Shoes
Converse started in 1908 in Massachusetts, and Chuck Taylors became an American icon in 1918. By 1997, over 550 million pairs had been sold, but in 2001, declining sales led to the closure of U.S. factories. oday, Chuck Taylors are made in Indonesia.
Stainless Steel Rebar
Some types of steel rebar are no longer made in the U.S., with waivers to the Buy America Act allowing international purchases.
Dress Shirts
C.F. Hathaway, one of the last major American shirt manufacturers, shut down its Maine factory in 2002 after 165 years in operation. Small-scale U.S. manufacturers still exist, but not at major production levels.
Mattel Toys
Mattel, the world’s largest toy company, closed its last U.S. factory in 2002. Today, about 65% of Mattel’s products are made in China.
Minivans
By 2003, U.S.-made minivan chassis were no longer available, prompting a waiver under the Buy America Act to allow Canadian imports for government contracts.
Vending Machines
Key vending machine components, like bill and coin dispensers, are no longer made in the U.S., according to a federal waiver.
Levi’s Jeans
Levi Strauss & Co., an American denim icon for 150 years, shut down all U.S. production in December 2003, shifting manufacturing to Latin America and Asia.
Radio Flyer’s Red Wagon
Once a symbol of American childhood, Radio Flyer moved most of its production, including its iconic red wagon, to China after closing its Chicago plant in 2004.
Televisions
The last American-owned TV manufacturer, Five Rivers Electronic Innovations, shut down in 2004. As of today, not a single TV is made in the U.S.
Cell Phones
In 2008, out of the 1.2 billion cell phones sold globally, not a single one was made in America.
Railroad Parts
Key railroad components, like manganese turnout castings and weld kits, have been subject to Buy America Act waivers due to a lack of U.S. production.
Dell Computers
Dell closed its last major U.S. plant in 2010, outsourcing production to Asia to stay competitive.
Canned Sardines
The last U.S. sardine cannery, Stinson Seafood in Maine, shut down in April 2010, marking the end of an industry that started in 1875.
Flatware (Forks, Spoons, Knives)
America’s last flatware factory, Sherrill Manufacturing, shut down production in 2010 due to economic struggles. The company hopes to restart manufacturing in the future.
Incandescent Light Bulbs
Once an American innovation, incandescent bulbs are being phased out. The last major U.S. factory closed in September 2010 after Congress passed a ban set to take effect in 2014.
The list goes on, but the pattern is clear—many once-iconic American-made products have shifted overseas.
