- Survey results showed Americans still prefer to buy lower-priced foreign items than more expensive local ones
- Researchers said Americans choose to be practical than to support the local economy
- The low demand for locally-made goods caused a number of layoffs and the shutting down of factories
A survey conducted by the Associated Press (AP) and the GfK marketing research firm revealed that a vast majority of Americans would still prefer to buy lower-priced items coming from foreign countries than purchase more expensive ones with “Made in the USA” tags.
In an article written by Josh Boak and Emily Swanson for AP that was wired to Business Insider on April 14, 2016, it was disclosed that the number of Americans who are trying to become practical instead of choosing to support the country’s economy are drastically increasing.
“Low prices are a positive (sic) for US consumers — it stretches budgets and allows people to save for their retirements, if they’re wise, with dollars that would otherwise be spent on day-to-day living,” said 57-year-old Sonya Grob; a middle school secretary from Norman, Oklahoma.
Asked for an example, a local retailer said that if a person chooses between a $ 50 pants made in another country and an $ 85 pants made in the U.S. which is made of the same fabric and design, one will most likely prefer the cheaper item.
According to the study, even the people from higher-earning households who earn more than $ 100,000 a year will still choose lower-priced items over the locally-made costly ones.
Due to this, the U.S. economy has experienced a number of layoffs; with several factories being shut down due to the low demand for local products.
“We’re getting ripped off on trade by everyone. Jobs are going down the drain, folks,” said Republican presidential aspirant Donald Trump during a speech in Albany, New York; adding that he will bring back millions of jobs lost to foreign competitors if he will be elected.
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