Made in the USA
The United States of America is one of the world’s most advanced economies, and certainly the world’s largest manufacturer of goods and the world’s largest trading nation. The average import and export figures are at approximately $2.5 trillion.
The USA exports many food products such as meat and whole grains all over the world. They are also leaders in aeronautical accessories and supplies. The USA export lists also include top name brand automobiles such as Ford, Jeep, and Chevrolet. The USA is one of, if not the world’s largest producer of steel goods and steel for production purposes in other countries. Although the USA is a giant in exporting circles, it also relies on imports to keep its economy flourishing and its consumers spending.
If you browse through American stores, you will find many goods manufactured in China such as clothing, toys, electronic devices, pharmaceutical products from Germany and high quality furniture imported from Scandinavia. The USA imports more oil and petroleum products than it exports to fuel its industries and economy.
USA exporter attains the bulk of their profits from their trade relationships with Canada, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, Mexico, South Korea and Belgium. American trade relationships exist globally and there are many countries which import American goods.
Americans spend much of their trade bill on coins, petroleum products, food additives, tin, coal and minerals. Although relations with a country like Iran are strained due to military differences and world peace issues, the USA import figures for 2010 still reflect the purchase of antique furniture, saffron and rugs of various kinds. The USA has continued to supply Iran with animal and human medicines, basic foodstuffs such as soy products and medical supplies. Strained relations, it seems, need not affect trade relations entirely.
The world-wide recession has affected domestic investments and spending in America as it has in other countries internationally. So important is the USA’s trade relationship with other countries that President Barack Obama has set a 50% increase in exports as a target over the next five years to boost the American economy.
Policy on keeping the low dollar rate where it is has helped the USA to export cheaper goods on the world markets. Despite all its efforts, the fastest growing trade country, China, accounts for only 7% of America’s export figures. Despite this seeming hitch in maintaining its number one place in the world of trade, America is still home to 30% of the world’s millionaires and 40% of the world’s billionaires. So the world’s wealthiest still migrate to the land of opportunity of yesteryear.
Like the United Kingdom, America also faces the problem of unemployment, an ageing workforce and inadequate health and medical cover. With export and import figures declining, President Obama has his work cut out for him.
Made in the USA: Home Improvement Products
In this day and age, consumers, if they can, will steer toward buying products that are made in America. More often than not, though, home improvement products are made overseas (Mexico, China, and Taiwan, to name a few of the more…”exotic” locations).
So, wouldn’t it be nice if you’d be able to fill your home with products you knew were made in the United States? I thought so, too. So, here are four manufacturers of home improvement, furniture and home décor products that can boast they’re 100 percent American-made.
Furniture: American Drew/Lea Industries is a team in every sense of the word. While American Drew is a well-established manufacturer of mid- to upper-range bedroom, dining room, and occasional furniture, Lea Industries specializes in kids’ furniture. Together, they present a well-known brand name for furniture made in America. They’re both La-Z-Boy companies, so they have plenty of backing. From elegant and traditional to contemporary and fun, American Drew covers it all. And whether your child’s a future baseball star or is the princess of the castle, check out Lea Industries’ amazing selection of kids-themed furniture-all made in the US of A. These furniture manufacturers are also available online at The Furniture and All Children’s Furniture.
Ventilation: Broan finds its beginnings in inauspicious times-during the Great Depression. Since then, they’ve evolved into a trusted and reliable manufacturer of ventilation products. Range hoods, bath fans, and even attic ventilation are what Broan does best, and they keep all operations within our country’s borders, headquartered in Hartford, Wisconsin. Broan’s venting products can be found online at VentingDirect.com and Amazon.com.
Lighting: Hubbardton Forge sits by itself in the lighting category, as just about the only company that manufacturers its products in this great land. What began in Vermont in 1974 as a couple of blacksmiths pounding and forging away creating wrought-iron lighting fixtures has evolved into one of the lighting industry’s most innovative and trusted companies. Hubbardton Forge remains the country’s oldest and largest commercial forge, and they still forge each and every lighting fixture by hand, so each one will be slightly unique. And, most recently, Hubbardton Forge received honorable mention in New York Home Magazine’s Innovative Green Design Awards (2010). These lights are available online at Vermont Industries and LightingDirect.com.
Door/cabinet hardware: Straight out of the country-western category, comes Buck Snort Lodge Products. Located on the Mid-Western shore of Michigan, this company makes all of its products on-site and specializes in unique cabinet hardware. With themed categories like wildlife, Southwest, fish, and nautical, this is your best choice for unique fixtures that scream Americana. Need a doorbell backplate with an American flag on it? How about a moose-shaped doorknob? Buck Snort Lodge manufactures cabinet handles, designer knobs, mushroom knobs, and more. Their knobs and pulls (excluding the cast resin) are made from a #2 zinc and plated with your choice of five finishes. These distinctive fixtures can be found online at HandleSets.com and InterKnobs.com.
There’s no reason you can’t fill your home or business with home improvement products, furniture and home décor products that are made exclusively in America. Just do a little research and you’re bound to find something you’re going to love and be proud of having in your home.
Barbie Dolls: Made in USA
One of the most beloved discoveries made in the USA was the Barbie Doll. Children from all ages are known to own, at least ONE of these dolls. Mattel had launched the doll way back in March 1959. Barbie was based on the German Doll, Lilli, and the idea of Barbie is credited to American Businesswoman, Ruth Handler. Barbara ‘Barbie’ Millicent Roberts has taken the fashion world of dolls by storm, and has been dominating the market ever since its launch. It had become very popular with the teenagers across the world, and still is.
However, Barbie has also been the subject for controversy and ridicule time and time again. Her height of 11cm, would translate to 5 feet 9 inches to a normal girl. However, her vital stats are extremely misleading. It is impossible for a woman to have a 36 inches bust, an 18 inch waist and 33 inches hip – and teenagers who would attempt to do that would end up becoming anorexic. Since this was giving out wrong messages to the teenagers, a new Barbie was designed bearing in mind the human possibility. Barbie has had plenty of family members added to the collection, but she continues to be the chief figure for Mattel. Ken was designed in order to give Barbie a companion, but they had split up during 2004.
The only time Barbie faced competition was when Bratz dolls were released into the market. But since the creator of these dolls from MGA had been working in Mattel during the time Bratz came into the market, Mattel filed for a lawsuit. Barbie is a truly American product, and tries to portray a new dimension for woman. Barbie is a woman of many talents, and has even her own pilot’s license. A particular line featured her in a variety of avatars – ranging from doctor, pilot, astronaut, and teachers.