Think You’re Avoiding Chinese Products? Think Again!
We must admit that when it comes to global influence, China and the United States are two of the biggest forces, especially in politics, manufacturing, and innovation.
For decades, China has been known as the world’s factory. It is one of the go-to destinations for manufacturing. Why? Well, the production prices are really low, and the country also has a highly developed infrastructure. Basically, no one can beat them.
How often have you seen the words ‘Made in China’ on some of your favorite products? The phrase is on everything, from the toys our kids play with to the gadgets we can’t live without.
Even though, most Americans associate China with low-cost electronics and household items, the Chinese power is incredibly underestimated. The sheer scale of China’s industrial output is impressive and, in many cases, a surprise.
Just think about the products you use daily. You’ll be surprised that almost everything is ‘Made in China’. The smartphones we use, the furniture in our living room, or even the vitamins we take are all made in China. So, how can this country, often seen as a low-cost manufacturing hub, come to dominate, not just inexpensive goods but also high-end innovative products?
The global manufacturing battle between China and America is far from simple. While China dominates mass production, America thrives on innovation and high-end manufacturing. Both these powerful countries have their own strengths and weaknesses. But why do Americans still tend to hate everything that comes from China?
Let’s get to the real-life examples. After you go through the list, found below, make sure to let us know, how many of these products are you daily using. And… did you know that they were made in China?
7 Products you often use that are most likely ‘Made in China’
1. Luggage
Are you a travel lover? Well, no matter the reasons for your travels, the luggage is a must-have. You probably didn’t know that China is a dominant player in the global luggage industry. A huge proportion of the most popular luggage brands manufacture their products in Chinese factories. Samsonite, Travelpro, and American Tourister are just some of the most popular brands that opt for Chinese services.
Considering the low production costs, American consumers can access quality luggage at incredible prices. China is known for the use of polycarbonate and aluminum, two of the most essential materials that are important in creating durable and lightweight travel pieces.
And that’s not all! Chinese manufacturers have become experts in creative interesting and innovative luggage solutions. For example, many of the modern features found in today’s suitcases have a built-in USB charging port and smart locks. We already know that China has a rapidly growing technological expertise, so, there’s no surprise that they are trying to integrate everything they know to do in their products.
2. Kitchen Appliances
Did you know that the majority of your kitchen appliances are actually made in China? The blenders, toasters, coffee makers, and most of the products we use daily in our kitchen are sold in the United States but come from Chinese manufacturers. Some of the most popular brands that are loved by the chefs are Cuisinart, Black & Decker, and Hamilton Beach.
As we already know, the Chinese are pros when it comes to advanced automation technologies, so it means a lot for the brands. The production can be highly sped up and the costs are significantly reduced. And on top of that, Chinese manufacturers are known for their ability to adapt to new trends. So, they basically combine the technique with their love for innovation.
3. Toys
One of the most well-known sectors for China’s involvement in global manufacturing is the toy industry. Just think about toys for a second, even if we tend to believe all those dolls, figurines, and stuffed animals could be made in the United States or Europe, the reality is that most of them are produced in China. In fact, China accounts for approximately 80% of global toy production. Isn’t that cool? The world’s largest companies, such as Mattel, LEGO, and Hasbro chose the Chinese factories.
Over the years, concerns have been raised about the safety and quality of toys made in China, but some safety standards need to be respected. These factors often work with international toy companies to adhere to strict guidelines, such as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) in the United States. These laws ensure that the products produced in China are safe for children to use and affordable for parents.
4. Apple
The brand called Apple has revolutionized the world of technology, being known for its sleek design and great quality. It’s, by far, one of the most iconic brands in the world. However, even though the company is based in California, most of the products are manufactured in China. The iPhones, MacBooks, and even the Apple Watches are assembled in Chinese factories.
When it comes to gadgets, the decision to outsource production to China is not just about the cost. China is known for being a global leader when it comes to electronics manufacturing, so the skilled workforce found in China is the one that ensures that Apple’s strict quality standards are met.
5. Clothing
When it comes to clothing, it might not be surprising that most of our favorite items are not made in the United States. Over the past few decades, China has become the world’s largest textile producer, so many brands and retailers looking to produce clothing at scale are working with Chinese factories.
Although there has been much hate about Chinese materials, even the biggest brands in the world produce their pieces in China, so we can’t deny their success and professionalism. It’s true that many affordable items don’t really meet quality standards, but as long as you are ready to invest in some great pieces, you will not be disappointed by the manufacturing style.
6. Bicycles
Did you know that even the bicycle industry in the United States has a massive connection to China? Even brands like Trek, Specialized, and Giant are produced in Chinese factories. Everything from the handlebars and wheels to the frame is often at a fraction of the cost of American-made alternatives. So, it’s totally understandable why companies prefer to opt for the more affordable options but still get a high-quality product.
7. Furniture
A large portion of the furniture that fills American homes is actually made in China. Over the past few decades, furniture manufacturing has exploded in China. A lot of Americans prefer to invest in more affordable pieces. Nowadays, we like to often change our design and improve the aesthetic of our homes. We like to adjust our furniture depending on the season. So, investing in very expensive items is not a great idea at all.
The Chinese-manufactured items are also of great quality. You need to do your research and you’ll surely find something that fits your home and style.
Before leaving, let us know which one is your favorite ‘Made in China’ product. Oh, and here’s another extremely appreciated product by the Americans, that’s also made in China. You should definitely check it out. It can be found on Amazon and has amazing reviews. It contains 100% pure and natural eucalyptus essential oil, without any fillers, additives, or dilution.
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