Poll: More Americans Look to Buy American Made Products

With all the current recalls of products made in China due to violations of the lead paint laws, many of them involving children's toys, adults have some decisions to make. And with the rapid approach of the holiday season, it appears that most Americans will be looking to purchase more items made in the USA

In a recent poll from the Gallup Organization, respondents were asked to think about 8 different product types and on each one of them, to indicate whether or not they would be more likely to by an item from China, or the same type of product that was made in America, but cost as much as twice as much.

The results show that there is a high degree of concern with the American public concerning the safety of products made in China, most especially with food and children's toys. The results show that half of Americans would be willing to pay a premium price for products that have not been recalled, like electronics, that were made in America.

On the issue of food, 94% say they would by food produced in the US even if the cost twice as much as the same product from China. When it comes to children's toys, 82% say the same thing and with furniture it is 76%.

On the other products such as household appliances, shoes, home products, and clothes, the number drops to between 60 and 70%.

The products in the survey are imported mainly from China and the recent recalls will have a big impact on retailers such as discount stores and the small dollar stores that relay on Chinese imports for a great deal of their merchandise. And the Gallup Poll shows that low income Americans, who are most likely to shop in these stores, are the ones who have a high percentage who say they are willing to pay a higher price for American made products, more than those in the higher income levels. This is especially true with household appliances and electronics and to a slightly lesser degree, clothing and shoes.

The opinion is just about even when it comes to the opinions of men and women, except when it comes to the toys where 87% of women are willing to pay more, but only 77% of the men say the same.