The Truth About USA Made Promotional Products
The Truth About USA Made Promotional Products: What You Need to Know
“Made in the USA” has a nice ring to it, especially when you're choosing promotional products that represent your brand. But what does it actually mean and does it always mean what you think?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the good, the not-so-good, and the misleading when it comes to USA made promo swag and what you need to know before you buy.
🚀 The Good: Why USA Made Swag Can Be a Smart Choice
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Supports American jobs: Buying from US manufacturers helps support local economies
- Lower carbon footprint: Fewer miles traveled = less impact on the environment.
If you're looking for swag that aligns with your company’s values or sustainability goals, American made options can be a great fit.
😬 The Not-So-Good: It’s Not Always What It Seems
Not everything labeled "Made in the USA" is truly 100% made here. In fact, there are three popular phrases that get thrown around a lot:
1. Made in the USA
This is the gold standard, but it comes with strict rules.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), if a product claims to be “Made in the USA,” all or virtually all of it must be made here. That means:
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Raw materials, parts, and labor all originate in the US
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If even a small component comes from another country, it may not qualify.
2. Assembled in the USA
This means the final product was put together here, but many of the parts may still come from overseas. It’s not the same as “Made in the USA,” even though it sounds similar.
3. Printed in the USA
This one’s tricky. A product can be made overseas, maybe in China or Vietnam, but if your logo is printed or engraved on it in the USA, it may be marketed as “Printed in the USA.” That’s technically true, but it doesn’t mean the whole item is American-made.
Bottom line: These phrases aren’t lies, but they can be misleading if you’re not paying attention.
🧠 What About Tech Products and Stainless Steel Drinkware?
If you're shopping for branded tech giveaways or custom insulated drinkware, here's a truth bomb:
These products are not manufactured in America.
We've searched and searched. No options.
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Tech products like wireless chargers, power banks, USB hubs, Bluetooth speakers, data blockers and earbuds are all produced overseas, mostly in China. Even when you see “Printed in the USA” or “Decorated in the USA,” that refers only to where your logo is added.
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Double-wall stainless steel bottles and tumblers (yes, including popular styles like Yeti drinkware) are also manufactured overseas, primarily in China and sometimes India or Vietnam. These items may be engraved or printed in the U.S., but they are not American-made.
________________________________________________________________________🏭Why Are Most Tech and Drinkware Items Made Overseas?
1. Lower Manufacturing Costs
Countries like China, Vietnam, and India have lower labor and production costs, which keeps prices competitive, especially important in price-sensitive categories like promo products.2. Established Supply Chains
China, in particular, has well-established supply chains for electronics and stainless steel manufacturing. That includes access to raw materials, specialized components, and skilled labor that simply aren’t as readily available or cost-effective in the U.S.3. Specialized Equipment & Facilities
The factories that produce wireless chargers, earbuds, power banks, and insulated drinkware have highly specialized equipment. Replicating that infrastructure in the U.S. would require massive investment and most companies aren’t willing at this point to take that on.4. Scale
Overseas manufacturers produce at massive scale, which keeps per-unit costs low. The US currently doesn’t have scale for these categories.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t high-quality, many are, but it’s important to know the facts before making a “Made in USA” assumption.
🧾 The FTC Has Something to Say
The FTC regulates “Made in USA” claims and takes them seriously. Businesses that mislead customers about a product’s origin can face serious consequences.
To protect your brand and your budget, always:
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Ask for country-of-origin details
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Look for FTC-compliant labeling
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Work with promo experts (like PROMOrx!) who don’t sugarcoat the sourcing info
🌍 Tariffs, China, and the Global Supply Chain
Many promo products are made in China and even if your item is printed or customized in the U.S., it still may be subject to tariffs.
Why? Because tariffs apply based on the country of origin, not where your logo is added.
So even when you work with a USA distributor or printer:
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You may still face tariff-influenced pricing
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These costs are often built into the product cost or passed along
American made products can help you avoid these extra fees but they may cost more upfront. It’s all about balancing budget, turnaround time, values, and brand image.
✅ So… What Should You Do?
Choosing the right promo products isn’t just about the logo—it’s about what the product says about your company. Here’s your cheat sheet:
✅ Do ask where the product is made—not just printed
✅ Do look for FTC-compliant info
✅ Don’t assume “Assembled” or “Printed” = Made in the USA
✅ Do work with experts (hey, that’s us!) who’ll give you the real story
And here’s a pro tip: don’t believe everything you see online. We recently checked a supplier listing an insulated vacuum bottle as “Made in the USA.” A little digging revealed the truth: it was manufactured in China, just like nearly all stainless steel drinkware in this category.
Whether you're aiming for eco-conscious, tariff-free, or just want to avoid misleading claims, PROMOrx has your back. We’ll help you sort fact from fiction so your brand swag delivers the message you want.
Ready to Get Started?
At PROMOrx, we offer a curated selection of USA made promotional products and full transparency on everything else. We’ll help you choose items that fit your brand, your budget, and your values.
