What Does "100% Made in USA" Mean?

Many companies claim their products are American-made or 100% Made in the USA. But what does that really mean, and can you trust these claims?

Let’s explore the qualifications for a product to be truly 100% Made in the USA.

Key Takeaways:

A product labeled "100% Made in USA" must have final assembly and significant processing done in the United States. Nearly all components must be sourced in the U.S.

The FTC prohibits unqualified "Made in USA" claims if a product contains significant foreign components. Even if the components account for a small part of the total cost.

Support brands committed to true "Made in USA". Domestic manufacturing helps ensure sustainability, quality, and fair labor practices.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Standards

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has strict standards for products labeled "Made in USA." To qualify, a product must be "all or virtually all" made in the United States. This means:

1. Final assembly and significant processing must occur in the U.S.

2. Ingredients or components must be sourced almost entirely domestically.

The FTC defines "United States" to include the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

Meeting the Criteria

To make an unqualified "Made in USA" claim, manufacturers must ensure their products contain negligible or no foreign content. They are required to:

Provide reliable evidence supporting the claim.

Regularly review sourcing and production processes.

For products that don’t meet these criteria, qualified claims like “Assembled in USA” or “Made in USA of U.S. and imported parts” can be used.

If you find that a product claiming to be “Made in USA” is false, report it to the FTC. 

Example of an Unqualified Made in USA Claim

The following example is taken directly from the FTC.

“A table lamp is assembled in the U.S. from American-made brass, an American-made Tiffany-style lampshade, and an imported base. The base accounts for a small percent of the total cost of making the lamp. An unqualified Made in USA claim is deceptive for two reasons. The base is not far enough removed in the manufacturing process from the finished product to be of little consequence. And it's a significant part of the final product.”

The Legacy of "Made in USA" 

The 20th century shaped the story of "Made in USA" products. American manufacturing and innovation was on the rise. Early milestones, like Henry Ford’s Model T, transformed mass production. This transformation made goods affordable for everyday Americans. 

After World War II, the U.S. dominated global markets. American-made cars, household appliances, and iconic brands are some prime examples. Mid-century advancements, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and materials like nylon, drove innovation.

However, outsourcing in the 1970s challenged U.S. manufacturing. This hit the middle class the hardest. Despite all, brands like Ford and Kodak cemented the legacy of American-made products. The U.S. remained a leader in production.

The Future of American Manufacturing

The future of American manufacturing in 2025 looks bright. As always, it's driven by innovation and strategic shifts. Advancements in AI, IoT, and smart factory technologies are enhancing efficiency and quality. These changes are resulting in an overall projected revenue growth of 4.2%.

Reshoring efforts are strengthening supply chains, with 8 states leading job creation. Federal incentives for clean energy and sustainability are shaping a greener industry. All while workforce development addresses the growing demand for skilled labor.

American-Made Brands Leading the Way

The following brands highlight American-made products across different industries. They are prime examples of authenticity, quality, and sustainability.

American Giant: Known for "the greatest hoodie ever," produced in Middlesex, NC. Like Proven Hands, they produce their apparel with American cotton.

Liberty Tabletop: The only 100% American-made flatware manufacturer, based in Sherrill, NY.

Darn Tough Socks: Produces high-performance socks in the USA.

Randolph Sunglasses: High-performance sunglasses crafted in Randolph, MA.

By supporting transparent businesses like Proven Hands™, you contribute to a better future. A better future for workers, the environment, and the American economy. Look for authenticity—and avoid brands misusing the label for profit.

The Proven Hands™ Promise

At Proven Hands™, we proudly share our suppliers. This is to uphold our commitment to transparency and support for American-made businesses. 

Our apparel is crafted as close to '100% Made in USA' as possible. We share our sourcing openly to set an example and encourage investing in U.S. suppliers, even when it costs more.