1. American Girl Dolls
While the name screams patriotism, American Girl dolls are primarily manufactured in China. The brand, owned by Mattel, insists on rigorous quality control standards, but that hasn’t stopped some fans from lamenting the move away from American factories.
2. KitchenAid Mixers
KitchenAid mixers have long been a staple in American kitchens, and while many models are still made in Ohio, some attachments and accessories are manufactured in China. This hybrid production model allows the brand to meet high global demand while keeping its core operations stateside.
3. Craftsman Tools
Craftsman was once synonymous with American-made durability, but since Stanley Black & Decker took over the brand, many of their tools are now made in China and Taiwan. While they promise that some manufacturing is returning stateside, loyal DIYers have mixed feelings about the move.
4. Converse Sneakers
Chuck Taylor All-Stars scream Americana, but they’re mostly made in Vietnam, Indonesia, and China today. After Nike acquired Converse in 2003, they shifted production overseas to streamline costs. While the design remains unchanged, the nostalgic “Made in USA” label is long gone.
5. Levi’s Jeans
Yes, the iconic symbol of American denim isn’t entirely homegrown anymore. While Levi’s originated in San Francisco during the Gold Rush, much of their manufacturing has shifted overseas to places like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Mexico. Why? Simply put, it’s cheaper to produce jeans abroad. While this lowers costs for consumers, some fans feel it’s a betrayal of the brand’s rugged American roots.
6. Fisher-Price Toys
Fisher-Price, a childhood favorite for generations, outsources much of its production to countries like China and Mexico. Mattel, its parent company, made the switch to cut costs and remain competitive in the crowded toy industry. While the designs remain playful and durable, the shift still surprises nostalgic fans.
7. Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
The sound of a Harley roaring down the highway is unmistakably American, but even this iconic brand sources parts from all over the world, including Japan, Italy, and Mexico. While the bikes are assembled in the U.S., the global supply chain is a necessary trade-off for maintaining affordability.
8. Rawlings Baseballs
Rawlings baseballs are central to America’s favorite pastime, but shockingly, they’re made in Costa Rica. MLB game balls are crafted there because of the skilled labor force, ensuring each ball meets exacting standards for professional play.
9. Pyrex Glassware
Your grandma’s trusty Pyrex dish might’ve been made in the U.S., but newer Pyrex products are often manufactured in China or other countries. This change came about as parent company World Kitchen restructured to cut production costs, leaving longtime fans pining for the vintage quality of yesteryear.
10. Mattel Barbie Dolls
Barbie is as American as apple pie, right? Well, not anymore. Mattel moved Barbie production to China and Indonesia decades ago. While the designs still come from California, the dolls themselves are made in overseas factories to keep up with global demand.
11. Smith & Wesson Firearms
This might shock firearm enthusiasts: many Smith & Wesson components are now made outside the U.S. Parts like barrels and slides are often imported from Europe or Asia to reduce costs, even though assembly still takes place in Springfield, Massachusetts.
12. New Balance Shoes
New Balance advertises itself as one of the last big shoe brands with American manufacturing, but only select models are made in the U.S., while others are produced in Vietnam and China. The brand’s transparency about its global production model is a refreshing touch, though.
13. Radio Flyer Wagons
That classic red wagon you pulled around as a kid? Surprisingly, Radio Flyer now produces most of its wagons and tricycles in China. Although the company remains headquartered in Chicago, the shift to overseas manufacturing was necessary to stay competitive in the toy market without compromising quality.
14. John Deere Tractors
Even John Deere, the epitome of farming Americana, outsources some of its manufacturing. Parts like engines and transmissions often come from factories in Germany, India, and China. However, many tractors are still assembled in the U.S., allowing the brand to maintain its strong ties to American agriculture.
