买美国货还是中国货？美企测试美国消费者：美国制造成“笑话”

Core Insights - The article highlights the failure of the "Made in America" initiative under Trump's tariff policies, showing that American consumers prioritize price over the origin of products when quality is equal [1][25]. Group 1: Consumer Behavior - A test conducted by the owner of the American shower brand Afina revealed that the "Made in China" version of a showerhead sold for $129, while the "Made in America" version was priced at $239, leading to zero sales for the American version [6][8]. - Over 25,650 visitors viewed the products, with only 24 adding the American version to their cart and 584 purchasing the Asian-made version, indicating a strong preference for lower-priced goods [7][11]. - The results of the experiment demonstrated that during economic downturns, consumers are more sensitive to price than to the product's origin [11][27]. Group 2: Economic Context - The underlying issue is the poor economic conditions in the U.S., with rising prices making "Made in America" products unaffordable for many consumers [13][21]. - Trump's tariff policies, intended to protect domestic industries, have inadvertently led to increased costs for small businesses, making it difficult for them to compete with cheaper imports [21][25]. - The article notes that despite the tariffs, a significant portion of Walmart's global procurement still comes from China, highlighting the intertwined nature of U.S.-China trade relations [25][27]. Group 3: Manufacturing Challenges - The owner of Afina expressed challenges in relocating production to the U.S. due to high costs and a lack of skilled labor and large manufacturing facilities [18][20]. - The complexity of producing showerheads in the U.S. includes sourcing materials and assembly, which is currently more efficient in Asia [18][20]. - The article emphasizes that the competitive edge of Chinese manufacturing extends beyond low prices, as it has developed a comprehensive industrial system capable of rapid response to market demands [23][25].