As someone living in the US, I almost always think products “Made in the USA” are pretty high quality. Trouble is almost nothing is made in the USA because almost everything is imported, largely from China or SE Asia.
It’s a common perception for sure, although I have to admit when I do find things that are actually “made in USA” I also find I am often disappointed by their quality. Tools for example, Made in USA often seems to reflect a lot of shitty cut corners and weak crappy materials. There’s some good stuff too of course but it’s certainly not a guarantee and I wouldn’t even say it’s the majority.
Made in Japan or Made In Germany is usually a good bet but you’ll pay a steep premium, meanwhile there are honestly some exceptionally well made and affordable tools coming out of China, you just have to know what specifically you’re buying because of course there is also a lot of absolute crap.
The American companies obsessed with cutting costs generally don’t manufacture in the US any more. Potential exception for the automobile industry, but these cars aren’t really exported much to the rest of the world any more.
Also worth noting that this is based on data from 2017. I would be happy to buy a pair of jeans made in America back then. Now, not so much.
Despite the crap labour and business practices, the US is an high wage economy. For non perishable goods, companies either manage to compete on quality or they sink because they can’t compete on price.
Honestly, kind of surprised the US is even on that list. For most things better quality is usually found elsewhere.
As someone living in the US, I almost always think products “Made in the USA” are pretty high quality. Trouble is almost nothing is made in the USA because almost everything is imported, largely from China or SE Asia.
It’s a common perception for sure, although I have to admit when I do find things that are actually “made in USA” I also find I am often disappointed by their quality. Tools for example, Made in USA often seems to reflect a lot of shitty cut corners and weak crappy materials. There’s some good stuff too of course but it’s certainly not a guarantee and I wouldn’t even say it’s the majority.
Made in Japan or Made In Germany is usually a good bet but you’ll pay a steep premium, meanwhile there are honestly some exceptionally well made and affordable tools coming out of China, you just have to know what specifically you’re buying because of course there is also a lot of absolute crap.
Craftsman was the absolute best until Sears went out of business and they sold the name.
Being able to just walk into any Sears with a broken tool and walk out with a working one was amazing.
My local Sears even had a display of the oldest tools that were traded in.
The American companies obsessed with cutting costs generally don’t manufacture in the US any more. Potential exception for the automobile industry, but these cars aren’t really exported much to the rest of the world any more.
Also worth noting that this is based on data from 2017. I would be happy to buy a pair of jeans made in America back then. Now, not so much.
They’ve got good guitars
Good cheese too (the ones that are actually cheese).
Despite the crap labour and business practices, the US is an high wage economy. For non perishable goods, companies either manage to compete on quality or they sink because they can’t compete on price.
Not just surprising, outright implausible