Given a choice between a product made in the U.S. and an identical one made abroad, 78% of Americans would rather buy the American product, according to a survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.
More than 80% of those people cited retaining manufacturing jobs and keeping American manufacturing strong in the global economy as very important reasons for buying American. About 60% cited concern about the use of child workers or other cheap labor overseas, or stated that American-made goods were of higher quality.
These beliefs have financial implications as well since those responding to survey said they would pay extra to buy American. More than 60% of all respondents indicated they’d buy American-made clothes and appliances even if those product cost 10% more than imported versions; more than 25% said they’d pay at least an extra 20%.
