Are Americans really willing to pay more for products made in the USA? A CNBC informal test revealed the surprising reality behind the popular sentiment.
A survey showed that 75% of respondents claimed they would pay extra for American-made goods. But when the price difference became clear, their choices told a different story.
A shop owner featured two nearly identical showerheads on his website: an Asian-made model priced just over $100, and a similar American-made model priced at more than $200. Both listings proudly disclosed the country of origin.
The results? Consumers bought 600 of the imported showerheads. Not a single American-made showerhead sold.
NBC Palm Springs contributors Anthony Turk and Nick Collins weighed in on the findings. “You’ve got to see a quality difference to justify double the price,” Collins said. “That’s where I think people will buy American.”
Turk added, “$200 is a really big gap. At that point, people vote with their wallets, not their patriotism. I wouldn’t necessarily pay more just because it’s made in America.”
Turk also pointed out that “Made in America” is not always as clear-cut as it seems. “A lot of the materials used in American-made products are still sourced overseas, so it’s not 100% domestic.”
Collins suggested that tariffs and shifting market prices might impact consumer decisions soon. “I say I want to buy American, but realistically I’ll focus on necessities first. Tariffs could cause prices to balance out in the next year or so.”
The discussion underscored the complex relationship between price, perceived quality, and patriotism when it comes to consumer purchasing decisions.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
May 15, 2025
