US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to crack down on deceptive claims of products being “Made in America.” The order instructs federal agencies to enhance enforcement against sellers and manufacturers who falsely market goods as American-made. This move aims to safeguard consumers and businesses genuinely producing goods in the United States.
The executive order mandates the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) chairman to prioritize cases involving misleading American-origin assertions, like “Made in America” or “Made in the USA.” Additionally, the FTC might suggest new regulations focusing on online platforms. Failure to verify country-of-origin declarations on online marketplaces could be deemed as an unfair or deceptive practice under US law.
The administration highlighted the increasing challenges in online commerce, where foreign sellers often claim products are American-made to attract patriotic buyers. The White House emphasized the significance of accurate labeling for consumers in making purchasing decisions. False claims not only deceive buyers but also negatively impact US manufacturers.
Furthermore, the order extends to federal procurement practices. Agencies overseeing government-wide contracts are required to periodically scrutinize country-of-origin claims on products supplied to the federal government. If vendors make false American origin assertions, their products must be delisted from government procurement catalogs and may face legal action under the False Claims Act.
This executive order is part of the administration’s broader economic strategy supporting domestic manufacturing. It aligns with previous initiatives promoting “Buy American and Hire American” policies and utilizing tariffs to shield vital sectors like steel, aluminum, copper, and automobiles. The White House aims to attract investments, create manufacturing jobs domestically, and fortify the national industry.
