Texas Salesman Finds Consumers Reject Premium 'Made in USA' Showerheads

An online experiment conducted by Texas marketer Ramon van Meer revealed that U.S. consumers overwhelmingly preferred cheaper imported showerheads over a more expensive 'Made in USA' option, despite tariffs on Asian imports intended to boost domestic manufacturing. Van Meer offered two showerhead choices, with the domestic model priced about 85% higher due to the costs of establishing a U.S.-based supply chain, yet none of over 25,000 website visitors chose the pricier domestic product. These findings highlight a significant challenge for President Trump's tariffs, as consumer unwillingness to pay a premium for American-made goods could undermine efforts to revive domestic manufacturing. While many Americans support the idea of more manufacturing jobs, fewer are interested in working in these roles, and economic preferences appear to outweigh patriotic sentiments. The experiment suggests that tariffs alone may not shift consumer behavior, potentially leading to higher prices without increased domestic production. Policymakers and businesses may need to explore innovative strategies that balance quality, affordability, and consumer demand to strengthen U.S. manufacturing.