The pendulum on “Made In America” products and its importance swings a great deal. Twenty years ago, Roger Simmermaker, an electronics technician, wrote a book called “How American Can Buy American.” Recently, he has seen more American-made products and they are often even available without a higher price tag.
Many industries are still dominated by imports, including toys and textiles. Simmermaker and many others still believe that buying American is important and they see others shifting towards that mindset. As Simmermaker said, “It’s definitely easier. Especially in the last year or so, things have really changed.”
Last year, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced that it would be standing behind the movement. In January, they said they planned to spend an additional $50 billion over the next 10 years on American-made products. Apple Inc. also has plans to build some of its iMac lines in the US instead of in China.
It’s certainly worth watching in the coming year or more to see which companies focus their efforts in America.