The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #146098   Message #3383478
Posted By: Janie
29-Jul-12 - 10:36 PM
Thread Name: BS: selling America
Subject: RE: BS: selling America
"Made in America" ain't a simple concept these days. In most instances, the label means "assembled in America" (and while we are at it, define "America." USA? Canada? Mexico? Brazil? Argentina? Last I heard, America is part of the name of two large continents in the western hemisphere encompassing more than a score of countries.)

Lots of vehicles sold under foreign brands are actually assembled in the Americas. Parts and assemblies for both USA and foreign brands of vehicles are manufactured all over the world, including the USA, regardless of where the vehicle is assembled. Same is true for clothing. I don't know much about the electronics end of things. North Carolina, where I live, has losted and gained jobs in the tech manufacturing industry and I can't keep up with the balance.

If you want to buy purely "Made in America", assuming you mean "Made in the USA", the surest way to do that is to buy all your food, including meat and seafood, at your local cooperatively organized (as opposed to state Dept. of Agriculture organized) farmers market, and ask lots of questions of the producer, one of whom will usually be in the booth. Or subscribe to a local farmer's CSA.

Your Ford or Chevy probably has as many components manufactured overseas as does a Toyota or Volvo. Chances are good your Toyota or Subaru were either assembled here in the USA, or include a significant number of parts manufactured here.

It ain't so easy, these days, to "Go figure."