Asia's Secret Subsidy Hitting USA Manufacturers

Link to Like on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and to Sign Up for this Newsletter Sometimes the reality of how our USA manufacturers are held at a disadvantage is so absurd that it seems unbelievable. Our media focuses on wage differences, yet the reality is much more multifaceted. For example, ever wonder mathematically how they can get all of that stuff across the Pacific half way around the world economically versus making it in Ohio, Illinois, or any other US state? After all, not only do they have to ship raw materials to the factories in China, but they have to ship the finished goods all the way to the USA. One would thinkthe cost of doing that would be prohibitive, yet it has been turned into anadvantage. Our own manufacturers not only have to meet environmental standards when they make something, but also when the raw materials or finished goods are moved here, those trucks or trains that aredoing it are using heavily regulated fuels. On the other hand, Asian manufacturers use ships that burn completely unregulated fuels. Those low, cost “bunker fuels” give them a big cost advantage. Can you guess how many times the amount of sulfur alone is in bunker fuel versus diesel? Ten times? Fifty times? 100 times? According to Scientific American it is 1800 times the sulfur of diesel fuel! I discuss this in more detail in my book “Re-Made in The USA”, but according to the British newspaper The Daily Mail, just 16 ofthose big cargo container ships create as much pollution as ALL the cars in the world. The unregulated fuel they use equates to not only a massive amount of pollution, but also a direct subsidy for importers versus our domestic producers. Mega-Mart gets chintzy goods to sell and we get fewer jobs AND dirty air. This has begun to change, as according to the Scientific American article, just this month standards have started along 200 miles of our coast, though we still have a long way to go, as Asian shippers will still be polluting with 600 times more sulfur than diesel fuel near our coast. It is a travesty that we have to breathe this poison, and that makers in China, Korea, etc. are subsidized in this way whileour own manufacturer’s hands are tied. We have known about this issue for someyears, although it is only just getting the attention of the bigger media outlets. I will be bringing it up in a national radio appearance today on Ed Shultz’s show, and pushing hard to get the media’s attention. Sometimes it seems no small miracle that the USA manufacturers we work with are surviving at all. Thank you for standing with us! New Items: New shorts from Kneegard, do what else? Protect the knees! Most shorts do not protect the working man’s knees while keeping him cool. These are made in the USA out of substantial fabric. Mine seem like they will last many, many years! The original Tube Sock Hat is proudly made in North Carolina using USA cotton. These are made to last. They are fun and will definitely last through any abuse that special guy can dish out. The Rock Star Teeth Whitening System is made toget you amazingly white teeth. Get an all natural beautiful white smile! Cruelty free, as they never test on animals.  Link to New Items Featured Sale This Week: Patriot’s Edge nail clippers Patriot’s Edge makes their 4” solid steel clippers one at a time in Alabama. They have been a big seller! Great for nurses, mom’s, anyone with thick, brittle nails, likes more leverage, or just wants the best nail clippers out there. Easy to use and sterilize. The last pair you will ever need to buy. Link to Sale Sincerely, Todd Todd Lipscomb www.MadeinUSAForever.com Author of the book “Re-Made in The USA”

Where The USA Beats China: Quality & Value
	Click Here to Like on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Sign-Up for This Newsletter  I am often confronted with the question of how we can possibly compete with China. Afterall, they have such low wages, cheat heavily on their currency, are willing to pollute heavily, etc. Maybe we cannot win the race to the bottom – their high volume, terrible quality production fits well with the “planned obsolescence” that our big retail chains want. Planned obsolescence is intentional low quality with the expectation that customers won’t mind replacing the item rapidly. Some folks think they are getting a deal with “low, low” prices, however if they consider how often theyhave to buy a new one they can see what a bad deal it is. We have over 590 American Suppliers with MadinUSAForever.com now, and they have a common thread that allows them to survive and beat China – Quality. Yes, the items MAYcost more up front, yet when the USA products last much longer that meansvalue. For example,let’s take a look at a Chinese product that costs $10 versus a USA item at $20.The Chinese item must be replaced annually, whereas the USA one lasts say five years. At the end of five years, the person thinking they got a deal initially with the low quality Chinese product actually ends up spending $50 (five timesthe $10 price) versus $20 on the American-Made product! Now that is value! Furthermore, replacing an item all the time is a pain and really bad for the environment. Plus, we help our nation, our people, and protect our way of life every time we choose “Made in USA”! New items: I am so excited! The true “Made in USA” rubber ducks are back! What could be more American than the rubber duck? It was invented here and played with for generations. Then something went wrong, and true rubber ducks were no longer available. Celebriducks has gone to a huge expense to make this right again, and now true rubber ducks are being made in Ohio once more. Plus, the rubber duck is a great example of us working to help struggling, young manufacturers make it here again. Thanks to your support, we are their first retail customer for this product! By our guaranteeing the purchase of volume of their product we help suppliers not only get much needed cash, but also the confidence for that entrepreneur to take the risk knowing we are in their corner. We have also just added a wonderful maker of women’s yoga and exercise wear made in Colorado. Designed for exquisite style and amazing comfort, these Aaluuka made tops and bottoms will lookjust as great out for coffee with friends as they do in the yoga studio andgym. There is something special about this maker… Link to New Items On Sale This Week: (extended through Monday evening) Forget about buying a chintzy imported bag from Mega-Mart and having it tear open the third day of school, college, or work. Battle Lake Outdoors makes amazing bags for work, school, or play in Battle Lake, Minnesota. My family has one, and we love the quality and look. Lots of colors available. Get a favorite color or match to your kid’s schoolcolors. Sincerely, Todd Todd Lipscomb www.MadeinUSAForever.com Author of the book “Re-Made in TheUSA”	August 19, 2012 Make it a Great Day! Over 3600 products from over 590 mostly small family owned businesses!