Poll: Consumer interested in buying 'Made in America' holiday gifts

Mark Richardson

Today is Black Friday, when Ohioans kick into high gear to shop for the holiday season.

Many say they would like to buy American-made goods but a new survey showed it may not be as easy as some would hope. A poll from the American Alliance for Manufacturing found despite a strong consumer preference for goods "Made in America," retailers and online merchants tend to offer a smaller selection of domestically produced products compared to imported merchandise.

Scott Paul, president of the alliance, said most Americans prefer not to give holiday gifts made overseas.

"Seventy-seven percent of Americans said they would prefer to buy 'Made in America' products, particularly around the holidays," Paul reported. "Three in five Americans say they have made a conscious effort to seek out an American-made product over the past year."

Federal statistics show small businesses account for the vast majority of Ohio businesses. According to Amazon's Small Business Impact Report, independent merchants in Ohio sold more than 76 million items last year.

Paul says while U.S.-made gifts may have a slightly higher price tag, they do not come with the "ethical baggage" of some items made in other countries.

"There's no tariffs paid on them. They're not necessarily subject to inspection," Paul outlined. "We know from reports that a lot of them are not made particularly well, that have some toxins in them, and may come from supply chains that have forced labor."

The survey found around 20% of holiday shoppers plan to use Chinese sites, such as TikTok or Temu, to order items this holiday season but there are plenty of American-made options. Paul said the Alliance's online 2024 Holiday Gift Guide lists products from more than 100 manufacturers made in all 50 states.

"With all the divisions in our country, one thing people -- no matter if they're involved in the political process or not -- they would love to see more American-made products," Paul emphasized.