If you're tired of poisoning your kids with lead-painted toys from China or killing your pets with melamine-laced Chinese pet food, you may be wondering what you can buy that's made in America.
To its credit, China is trying to fix its reputation. Last week, according to CBS News, China's product safety chief Li Changjiang offered assurances that toys made in China would be "safer, better and more appealing. Before Christmas, we will certainly provide children safer, better and more appealing toys. They will certainly like them." To bolster that claim, on September 11th, China signed an agreement to prohibit the use of lead paint on toys exported to the United States.
As I posted in July, I expect that there could be a business opportunity to sell products to U.S. consumers that are made anywhere but China. Then I cited examples of an upscale New York grocery with no Chinese seafood and a New Jersey-based natural producer of premium dog food blended from meat and vegetables. However, I have not seen much in the way of new developments in the last few months.
So what are the choices for those who want to buy products made in the U.S.A.?
It's surprisingly difficult to find companies that actually make their products in America. For instance, you might think that Anheuser Busch Companies (NYSE: BUD) brews its beer in the U.S. However, while it has many plants in the U.S., it also brews in Japan, China and Germany. Hasbro Inc. (NYSE: HAS) makes its Monopoly board game in Waterford, Ireland, not in the U.S. And Wrangler jeans for the U.S. market are manufactured in Central America and Mexico.
I started off looking at companies on the Made in America site -- a show on the Travel Channel. This led me to a long list of companies. While many of the names on this list are headquartered in the U.S., many make some if not all of their products in other countries (to find out, I simply did a Google search on 'where is [product name] manufactured,' which usually led to relevant information on the topic). I decided to strike those names from the list I would write about and focus only on those companies that were fairly well-known brands which as far as I could tell actually made their products in the USA.
With the holiday shopping season nearly upon us, here's a list of 22 products which are made in America:
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Toys: Crayola's Silly Putty (Easton, PA)
- Cosmetics: Burt's Bees (Durham, NC)
- Cosmetics: Merle Norman Cosmetics (Los Angeles, CA)
- Toys: Slinky Toys (Hollidaysburg, PA)
- Candles: Yankee Candles (South Deerfield, MA)
- Teddy Bears: Vermont Teddy Bear Company (Burlington, VT)
- Jeans: Union Jean Company (Arcanum, OH)
- Playing Cards: United States Playing Card Company (Cincinnati, OH)
- Outdoor Gear: Cabela's, Inc. (NYSE: CAB) (Sydney, Nebraska)
- Sound Systems: B&K Components (Buffalo, NY)
- Carbon Bicycles: Aegis Bicycles (Camden, ME)
- Boots: Red Wing Shoes (Red Wing, MN)
- House Tools: Stride Tool Inc. (Glenwillow, OH)
- Handbags: Unique Bag and Design (Akron. OH)
- Women's Baseball Caps: Madcapz (Chicago, IL)
- Plastic Boxes : Oppenheim Plastics Co. (Saddle River, NJ)
- Appliances: KitchenAid Appliances (Benton, MI) (manufactured in Ohio, Mississippi; Arkansas; Tennessee; and Indiana).
- Baskets: Longaberger Baskets (Dresden, OH)
- Kitchen cabinets: Merillat Industries (Adrian, MI) (manufactured in 11 U.S. plants)
- Paper supplies: Mrs. Grossman's Paper Company (Petaluma, CA)
- Louisville Slugger Baseball Bats: Hillerich & Bradsby Company (Louisville, KY)
- Clothing: Pendleton Woolen Mills (Portland, OR)
Do you have other Made In America suggestions? Please comment below!
Update: Thanks to all the commenters for adding new suggestions to the list and for pointing out that some of the ones I listed may not belong. Since Cabela's is a mail order catalog and does not make any products itself, we included it on the list although they are importing products made elsewhere. I stand corrected on Red Wing shoes -- it makes all but a few casual shoes and boots in China so I would take it off this list. If we define Made in the U.S.A. to include companies that manufacture here, buy all their raw materials from U.S. companies, and hire only U.S. citizens as workers, how would that change the list?
How much are you willing to pay for Made in America? On Sept. 24 I wrote a new post asking readers which basket they would buy -- one made entirely in America (most expensive), one made mostly in America (mid-priced) and one made all in China (much cheaper). Cast your vote!
Peter Cohan is president of Peter S. Cohan & Associates. He also teaches management at Babson College and edits The Cohan Letter. He has no financial interest in the securities mentioned.
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Reader Comments (Page 25 of 27)
10-29-2007 @ 5:58PM
Brenda said...
Fiestaware!! Homer-Laughlin Company manufactures their dinnerware in the U.S.A.
I remember when Wal-mart was first "under-fire" for being a big box store and their defense at the time was that they made every effort to buy American. Their policy has quietly changed. Try finding anything American made there now.
10-30-2007 @ 4:01AM
Jackie said...
This is the first time I have seen this website and am excited that so many people are beginning to seek out Made In USA items. I began doing this to some extent about a year ago; however, after reading the reports on Chinese, Mexican, and even Canadian made items, I have begun looking for Made In the USA on labels including food items, (grown in the USA).
Thanks for supplying so many websites that list Made In USA items. I am willing to pay a bit more for an item that is made here in America. I look at it as an investment in America.
10-31-2007 @ 12:36PM
Concha Castaneda said...
I guess Planet Dog (Pet Store) is moving their China operations to Maine. The last 6 months of discontent by consumers has made the company realize We Want American Made Products. We want them made here in the USA.
11-01-2007 @ 9:34AM
Mark Johnson said...
Proudly American! is more than a statement of national pride, it is a reassurance that companies and their products carrying the Proudly American symbol are of high quality, are socially responsible and are supporting the local economy.
The objective of the Proudly American campaign, introduced by business, and community organizations all across the United States of America, is to advocate and promote American companies, products, and services in an effort to stimulate the economy and job growth in the United States.
http://proudlyamerican.org
11-01-2007 @ 9:44AM
Mark Johnson said...
Proudly American! is more than a statement of national pride, it is a reassurance that companies and their products carrying the Proudly American symbol are of high quality, are socially responsible and are supporting the local economy.
The objective of the Proudly American campaign, introduced by business, and community organizations all across the United States of America, is to advocate and promote American companies, products, and services in an effort to stimulate the economy and job growth in the United States.
http://proudlyamerican.org
11-04-2007 @ 5:31PM
Verna said...
My friends and family must have become tired of hearing me over the last few years. The collective has been so unaware of our fate for too long. But to see what these comments are saying here is a thrill!
Keep the PUSH on! I'm with you all 100% Buy American Made! And while you're at it...Buy Stock in those businesses!
I have been so saddened by the Big Picture. When I shop in Home Depot and see all Foreign Made items, it swells over me the reality of all the Lost Jobs! From Warehousing to Marketing to Public Relations to Order Entry to Distribution Managers - the list goes on and on. The FUN of working for a major industry like Time Warner - a super power in Distribution! to being squeezed out of Marketing and Promotion and Manufacturing. It has been an underlying wound and majorly depressing! But, we've done it before - we certainly have the Know- How! And, we can do it again!
I just heard today that there is a town in PA whose Merchants have committed to only selling Made in U.S.A. I just started a search for WHAT town that might be. When I find it, I will begin promoting and organizing BUS TRIPS to support them.
It's the only way to make change without rebelling in the streets. DC is not listening so I want to JUST DO IT! - NIKE slogan (from the late '80's I think.) And that is the FUN part of creating! Just Do It!
I would also like to see Labels: Made in Pennsylvaina; Made in Iowa; Made in Maine, etc. I want our jobs back in this country. I want our Pride re-established.
I want a Frying pan that is safe and to stop worrying that my household items might have HIGH Lead content. I want to pack up all items Made in China and send them back so they have to recycle the garbage. Yes I'm sorry for China's labor force. But, the Chinese mftrs have now made this about a Movement of Self Preservation for our nation, our citizens, our children.
OK nuff said...we're all in Good Company here! Thank you!
11-01-2007 @ 10:10PM
Lola Carlile said...
I would like to find a source to buy ladies shoes (dress and casual) that are made in America. I found two, one in Florida, and the other in California, but I live in Texas...so...
11-03-2007 @ 10:28PM
ash rohra said...
Well,
I RATHER MANUFACTURE PRODUCTS AND DISTRIBUTE ALL OVER THE WORLD THE PRODUCTS MADE IN USA.
ANY SUGGESTIONS *
ASH
11-04-2007 @ 2:21PM
Rita Macchietto said...
I have always tried to purchase items made in America but it has increasingly been impossible. I don't mind paying a little more as I feel it's my duty as an American citizen to support my Country which I love!
11-05-2007 @ 9:53AM
Alison Kauker said...
Here's an easy one -- buy wines made in the USA. There are so many good ones and at good prices.
11-05-2007 @ 10:41AM
Sally Danas said...
I just found this great website with American Products. http://usab2c.com/ It's pretty good since they have quite a selection of products.
11-05-2007 @ 9:20PM
T. Becker said...
Anyone that wants to buy moderately priced young women's clothing that is really CUTE should look at our fashion line for dresses, tops and skirts at http://shop.heartbreakerfashion.com. Then you can support clothing made in California with Love and No Regrets! Besides that, we EXPORT our stuff to countries around the world in case there are not enough US Citizens that want to spend prices a little higher than the discount stores!
11-05-2007 @ 9:55PM
Dennis said...
Most Rubbermaid products are made in the U.S.A.
11-06-2007 @ 11:06AM
Bob Curry said...
Please do NOT perpetuate the confusion caused by saying "Made in America"--America does not necessarily mean the U.S.A.! "America" could mean ANY country in north or south AMERICA, including Mexico, Canada, Chile, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, etc. What I want is "MADE IN THE USA!" There are companies that proudly proclaim, "Made in America" for there goods that are NOT made in the UNITED STATES of AMERICA!--Bob
11-06-2007 @ 11:36AM
Bob Curry said...
Please do NOT perpetuate the confusion caused by saying "Made in America"--America does not necessarily mean the U.S.A.! "America" could mean ANY country in north or south AMERICA, including Mexico, Canada, Chile, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, etc. What I want is "MADE IN THE USA!" There are companies that proudly proclaim, "Made in America" for their goods that are NOT made in the UNITED STATES of AMERICA!--Bob
11-07-2007 @ 2:33PM
Garfield said...
I have completely stopped buying anything that I know is not American-made, AND I stay out of Wal-mart and Target. I recently went shopping for a toy for the grandchild, and much to my surprise I found a playhouse made by a company called Step 2 corporation. Not all the items that are in their book is American made, but this playhouse and several other molded plastic items were American made. I was ecstatic! I will continue to buy from them as long as I can find these products. Also, Holgate toys are wooden products made here. Hope this helps.
11-07-2007 @ 3:01PM
Debra said...
Standoutdesigns.com has a line of tv stands manufactured from sustainably harvested Pennsylvania hardwoods and finished with environmentally friendly stains. The furniture is manufactured and assembled in Pennsylvania.
11-07-2007 @ 2:38PM
Garfield said...
Thanks, Bob, for clarifying the difference in Made in America and Made in USA. I will be sure to be specific when I say I want products made here in the USA!!
11-08-2007 @ 5:33PM
mario said...
please keep in mind that current legislation allows products manufactured in the US commonwealth of Saipan to carry the label "Made In America". If you are so inclined, check out the book "Nobodies" by John Bowe regarding slave labor in the new global economy.
11-08-2007 @ 7:53PM
Alouisis said...
How much are you willing to pay for Made in America?
Here is the problem. We have laws and regulations in the USA that all add cost. Most foreign suppliers have to do very, very little compliance and enjoy lower costs. Other countries subsidize their industry (0% interest rates in Japan, unfair currency exchange rates in China). So we should buy American, but our government must first implement equalization tariffs.
I know, I know, free trade - blah, blah, blah. Yes costs will rise - along with employment, prosperity and the standard of living. Things will cost more and we will be able to afford them.
You can only allow free trade when there is trade among equals. Otherwise, the trading partner with an advantage gets all of the money. Bad deal for us. It is worse than bad, it is disastrous.