What Qualifies As ‘USA-Made?’ In the promotional products industry, it’s commonplace for wholesale suppliers to source fabrication or apparel from foreign manufacturing hubs—which may be partners or their own overseas factories—to decorate them stateside. But to be considered “American-made,” the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that “all or virtually all” of a product is made in America. The FTC describes a grill that’s made in the U.S. with knobs and tubing imported from Mexico. Made-in-USA claims can also be expressed or implied, such as by citing the quality of homegrown products, showing the U.S. map or American flag, or making reference to U.S. factories on packaging. Americans care about whether their products are made in the U.S., and according to a 2020 survey by The Reshoring Institute, nearly 70% of them even prefer it. Being transparent about an item’s production and origin story isn’t only critical to business under U.S. law, but it’s also critical in shaping end users’ positive perception of a brand. Ame r i can-Made AlexLMX / Shutterstock.com A wearable that’ll also serve as a treasured memento that recipients can pass down is the Lost Wax Cast Solid Brass Buckles. Made in Bloomington, Indiana, the belt buckle is perfect to gift to end users working in transportation or in construction, energy, manufacturing and mining, as well as in clubs and organizations. Indiana Metal Craft PPAI 112175, S5 www.indianaimc.com Add beautiful imagery around your brand and make it an everyday accessory with the Burlap Tote, style No. 5630. Made in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the tote features a natural, lined interior with an inside drop pocket and a leather handle with a rivet attachment. Available in 25 fabric colors, shown in natural. Sport Systems Custom Bag Corp. PPAI 241577, S4 www.sscbags.com A relaxed option to consider for fitness studios and other local businesses is the Baysidebranded Women’s USA-Made Yoga Pants. Made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex, these form-fitting pants are styled with a wide, fold-over waistband and are machinewashable. Made in the USA and available in sizes XS-3XL; shown in black. S & S Activewear / PPAI 256121, S12 www.ssactivewear.com 38 | JULY 2022 | INNOVATE
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