Do you think buying "Made in the USA" products makes a major difference? (wages, Canada)

[markovian process]

There is now a trend I notice. Does this help lessen reliance on overseas economies? Do you notice the products are made better, last better or are of better quality? The reality still seems to be we depend on a lot of cheaply made products in developing countries like China that many still say is a trend that won't go away any time soon.

[joseanto071]

Actually, I heard that many companies in China are shutting down and are either moving to Mexico, because it's closer to the USA, or going to other poorer countries because of the lower costs and regulations.

This is because Chinese wages are rising. China has become even more capitalist and materialist than Hong Kong or the US. I may be wrong and they could just be moving their factories to other provinces such as Gansu, Anhui, or Sichuan.

Regarding jobs, I think that's good to have Made in the USA. I'm thinking that because of this, the quality is probably better and longer lasting, but more expensive. I think the trend on depending on China for goods will dissappear sooner or later. I think it will be numerous other countries too

[joseanto071]

Actually, I have noticed that a few years ago in fact

Though the majority of my things are made in China, I have blu ray disks Made in Mexico, Jeans made in El Salvador and Bangladesh, Flash memory made in Taiwan (or Japan or Korea), RAM Hecho en México, and other things from say Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Guatemala, Colombia, and Brazil

[markovian process]

Globalization isn't going to change any time soon, for better or for worse, I guess.

[John7777]

Buying goods made in the USA can be a lot more expensive. For example, let's say you want to buy a nice stereo power amplifier. You can buy a Macintosh amp, made in Binghamton New York, and spend $8000. Or, you can buy a similar amplifier made in China for $800.

[joseanto071]

Originally Posted by John7777

Buying goods made in the USA can be a lot more expensive. For example, let's say you want to buy a nice stereo power amplifier. You can buy a Macintosh amp, made in Binghamton New York, and spend $8000. Or, you can buy a similar amplifier made in China for $800.

Yeah but then again, there are some companies that really won't change the price to the consumer. I dunno, maybe Michelin can make tires here in the USA and charge you say $50 a tire. I think even if they moved to China or anywhere cheaper, they would still charge $50 a tire. They wouldn't change the price one bit and just reap the greater profits.

[Hemlock140]

Don't believe the label without checking it out further. I have seen many US brand TVs that say "MADE IN AMERICA with parts made in China" or similar. My Ford has an engine made in Germany, transmission made in France. We bought a cast iron pot after reading about a company called Lodge located in Tennessee. We ordered one and when it came, the box said "Made in China."

[JerseyGirl415]

I do think that for the most part, stuff made in America is better quality. I also feel better when I buy things made in the USA because I'm supporting our own economy and not China's or Thailand's or something. I know that because I bought something made in the US, a fellow American has a job and probably gets to keep it. I don't necessarily go out of my way to buy products made in America but overall I do prefer things American made.

[Metro Matt]

Yes, it does.

Stuff made in USA, Canada, Germany, England, & Japan are all good.

Mexico, China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, & India is no good.

[animatedmartian]

Originally Posted by markovian process

Globalization isn't going to change any time soon, for better or for worse, I guess.

Globalization itself won't change no. Corporations are always going to look for the cheapest workers no matter the country. The only thing that changes it which country that may be.