Jobs and the Economy
Buying American made products not only supports the workers making those goods but it also causes a ripple through the economy; more job creation, more job saving, more spending, more building, more service support, ability to earn a living wage, and a reduction in the trade deficit, just to name several. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that every American manufacturing job supports an additional 1.4 jobs in other parts of the economy.
American Pride and Democracy
A decrease in American manufacturing is strategically unsound. Buying American fosters independence, pride, and helps ensure that the United States doesn’t find its access to vital goods impacted by political conflict. Money is not shifted to countries not friendly to the USA or democracy.
Human Rights and Worker Standards
In addition to having weaker environmental regulations, the countries that produce the goods Americans buy often have no laws to protect the rights of workers. Foreign labor standards allow unsafe worker conditions in many countries. When you buy American you support not only American manufacturers but also American workers, safe working conditions, and child labor laws. Many countries have no minimum wage restrictions, or the minimum wage is outrageously low. When you choose products made in the USA, you contribute to the payment of an honest day’s wages for an honest day’s work.
Product Safety
The lack of product safety regulations overseas does not only put foreign workers at risk, it also threatens the health of American consumers. Dozens of types of children¡¦s toys made in China were recalled because they were unsafe. When you buy toys and other goods made in the USA, you can be confident that American consumer protection laws and safety standards are in place to protect your family.
Environmental Safety
USA manufacturing processes are much cleaner for the environment than many other countries; many brands sold here are produced in countries using dangerous, heavily polluting processes. Products made overseas have a higher carbon footprint than those made in the USA and have few or no environmental regulations. As a result, foreign factories produce large amounts of hazardous chemicals that pollute the air, water, and soil.
In summary, the lack of minimum wage, worker safety, or environmental pollution controls in many countries undermines the concept of “fair and free trade”. No Western nation can ultimately compete on price with a country willing to massively exploit and pollute its own people. When you buy only American made products, you insist on a higher standard.
