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April 15, 2011
Buy American?
American consumers are sometimes urged to “buy American.” Personally, I never have understood why, if a superior product is manufactured outside the United States, patriotism requires that I support a less efficient American business. And I know just enough of the economics of comparative advantage to understand the benefits of globalism.
But, economic arguments aside, what exactly does it mean to buy American? In today’s global economy, the “Buy American” argument is simply incoherent.
Consider, for example, this recent ranking from Motor Trend of the cars with the most domestic content. The top five includes the Toyota Camry, the Toyota Avalon, and the Honda Accord, all with 80% domestic content.
Motor Trend includes parts made in Canada as domestic content; Cars.com does not. Its top American-made cars? The Toyota Camry (made in Kentucky and Indiana) and the Honda Accord (made in Ohio and Alabama). The Honda Odyssey, the Toyota Tundra, and the Toyota Sienna also make the top ten.
So buy American. Drive a Toyota.
-Steve Bradford
April 15, 2011 | Permalink
Comments
Wait, isn't Toyota a Japanese brand? Anyway, as long as it's the economical choice, I guess it is best to choose "buy American". I think the efficiency in the long run of those things that you buy have to be considered as well, though.
Posted by: Verna Derosier | Apr 19, 2011 2:21:14 AM
