In the ongoing trade battle with China, junior US Senator and former governor, Rick Scott, shared an idea yesterday. Stop buying products that are made in China. Now, that’s easier said than done. About a month ago, I brought you the current reality of the China trade situation. I illustrated US manufacturing in China had declined by 15% over the past year. Meaning that American companies have been scaling back on Chinese manufacturing likely driven in part due to the administration’s policy. This is generally a good thing. Especially when some of that manufacturing has come back to the US. Still, there’s a lot on the line in the country right now. 52% of American products do have at least some of the process taking place in China. That’s a lot better than 61% a year ago but clearly there’s a lot that can and will be impacted one way or another based on how this trade situation works out.
If you’re the average American just over half of what you buy will have that made in China label on it somewhere. That’s a pretty big change and one you’d have to be intentional about if you want to follow Senator Scott’s advice and aid the US in the China trade battle, while potentially boosting the US economy by buying more items made in the USA. Also, cost could be a consideration. There’s a reason so much manufacturing is set up in China and it certainly wasn’t because of the quality of the craftsmanship. If you do make the change, you get used to not buying made in China stuff.
This side of my Apple products, I haven’t purchased stuff made in China in years. I intentionally made the change several years ago and haven’t looked back. I liken the change to going from heavily processed foods to generally whole foods. It’s a big switch, and yes, often a bit more expensive but for the most part just in the beginning. Buying higher quality items that last longer, I’ve found is cheaper than buying cheaper items that need to be replaced frequently. Just as whole foods tend to be more expensive but if you maintain better health and require less healthcare. Think of the cost implications and your quality of life.
If you want to make the move it’s like label reading in a grocery store. It’s easy to find the sticker on products telling where it’s made. It’s also easier when you shop at local businesses as opposed to big box stores. This is also something I’m intentional about, but then again with my roots in small businesses that’ has been a way of life for me all along. If you’re inclined to make the move, you’re bound to find better products, a superior shopping experience and a better local economy. Plus, as a bonus, you’re doing your little part to help save the world from China.
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