The Facts Behind the Importance of Made in America

These days, “Made in America” isn’t as clear-cut as it used to be. Here are some facts:

• Most Americans are aware that products branded with American labels may be made in overseas factories or assembled here with parts made overseas.
• Three-fourths of consumers say being manufactured in the U.S. is crucial for them to consider it “Made in America.”
• Half say being made by an American company or having parts manufactured in the U.S. is what matters.
• Only one-fourth cared whether a product was designed by an American.
• A recent Harris Interactive study shows Americans of both genders, all political parties and all ages care about buying American.
• Although buying American matters to all age groups, older respondents (age 48-plus) were the most likely to say it’s important to do so.
• Women also placed greater importance on buying American than men do.
• Perhaps surprisingly, three-fourths of both Republicans and Democrats say buying American is important, compared to just 60 percent of independents.
• Keeping jobs in the U.S. is the biggest reason respondents give for wanting to buy American-made products as cited by 66 percent of respondents.
• Supporting U.S. companies was cited by 56 percent, and patriotism by 45 percent.

In addition to these facts, there were also some fear-based reasons for buying American. Nearly half buy American because they’re worried about the safety of products made overseas, while 45 percent worry about the quality. In addition, 39 percent are concerned about the human rights of the foreign workers who make these products, while 32 percent worry about the environmental impact of products made outside the U.S.

Lastly, the bigger the purchase, it seems, the more importance people attach to buying American, evidenced by between 70 and 75 percent of people believing the higher the price tag on products they are purchasing the more important it becomes that they were made in America.

All of those things are just “stats” though. As a veteran owned business, we at EZ Rest Mattress Outlet believe strongly that U.S. made products mean ethical production, ethical treatment and safe working environments with fair pay, as well as more sustainable products, use of local materials, and support of local businesses and local economies. This is why our stock of sleep products is made up of “Made in the U.S.A.” items. For us, though, one of the greatest reasons we stock “Made in the U.S.A.” products is to honor the establishment and continuance, and in support, of the greatest nation on the face of the Earth.