FTC CRACKDOWN Begins — Fake ‘Made in USA’ Busted

Federal Trade Commission Building with sign and trees

FTC declares July as “Made in the USA Month” to combat fraud and protect American manufacturing, giving consumers confidence that products with this label truly support U.S. workers and businesses.

Key Takeaways

  • The Federal Trade Commission has officially designated July 2025 as “Made in the USA Month” to coincide with Independence Day celebrations.
  • FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson is leading efforts to enforce laws against false claims and protect the integrity of the “Made in USA” label.
  • 61% of Americans consider “Made in the USA” as a factor in purchasing decisions, viewing domestic products as higher quality and more environmentally friendly.
  • The initiative aligns with President Trump’s ongoing commitment to strengthen American manufacturing and economic independence.
  • The FTC is increasing enforcement resources and providing businesses with guidance on proper labeling compliance.

Protecting American Manufacturing Through Strict Enforcement

The Federal Trade Commission has taken a decisive step to bolster American manufacturing by officially designating July 2025 as “Made in the USA Month.” This initiative, announced to coincide with Independence Day celebrations, aims to crack down on companies falsely claiming their products are American-made while educating businesses and consumers about proper labeling standards. Under Chairman Andrew Ferguson’s leadership, the FTC is ramping up enforcement efforts to ensure the integrity of this important designation that millions of Americans rely on when making purchasing decisions.

“In honor of our nation’s independence, the Federal Trade Commission has designated July as ‘Made in the USA’ month. As Chairman of the FTC, I am responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit companies from making false or unsubstantiated claims that a product is ‘Made in the USA.’ It is important to protect Americans from deceptive advertising, and also important because it provides consumers with confidence that when they buy something that says ‘Made in the USA’ they are actually supporting American workers, American manufacturers, and American communities,” said Andrew N. Ferguson, FTC Chairman

Consumer Confidence and Economic Growth

The initiative responds to growing consumer demand for American-made products. Recent polling shows that 61% of Americans consider “Made in the USA” as a significant factor in their purchasing decisions. This preference stems from widespread perception that American-made goods offer superior quality and greater environmental responsibility compared to foreign alternatives. By protecting the authenticity of these claims, the FTC directly supports American workers, manufacturers, and communities while bolstering consumer confidence in domestic production.

“‘Made in the USA’ is not just a slogan, but a sign that a product truly connects us with the ingenuity, quality craftsmanship, and livelihood of our fellow citizens. As we celebrate our nation’s independence this month, let us also remember to celebrate the hard work, self-reliance, and pioneering spirit of our nation’s workers. When we buy a product that is ‘Made in the USA,’ we keep alive the spirit that won us our independence and has always made our country great,” said Andrew N. Ferguson, FTC Chairman

Enhanced Resources and Enforcement

Chairman Ferguson has confirmed that the agency will be “going to be devoting a lot more resources” to protecting the integrity of the Made in USA label. The FTC has developed a comprehensive online guide to help businesses correctly advertise their products as American-made, ensuring they understand and comply with strict standards governing this designation. This two-pronged approach of education and enforcement demonstrates the commission’s commitment to both supporting honest businesses and penalizing those attempting to mislead consumers with false claims about product origin.

“While we want to enforce the law, we also want to help companies showcase to consumers that American workers and manufacturing is an engine of American innovation, business creation, and economic growth,” said Ferguson.

Alignment with Trump Administration Priorities

This initiative perfectly aligns with President Trump’s ongoing commitment to revitalize American manufacturing. By ensuring the “Made in USA” label maintains its integrity, the FTC is supporting the administration’s broader economic strategy of strengthening domestic production and reducing dependence on foreign imports. The enforcement actions being taken serve to protect American businesses that play by the rules while penalizing those that attempt to capitalize on consumer patriotism without actually supporting American workers or adhering to American manufacturing standards.

“protect American consumers so that when they go to the store and they pick up a product that says ‘Made in the USA,’ we want them to have confidence that that is actually made in the USA so that they know they are supporting American workers in the American economy,” said Ferguson.

Promoting Economic Independence

The FTC’s “Made in the USA Month” represents more than just consumer protection—it’s a celebration of American economic independence. By highlighting the importance of domestic manufacturing and encouraging consumers to seek out American-made products, the initiative supports job creation and economic growth across the country. The timing of this announcement, coinciding with Independence Day celebrations, symbolically connects our nation’s political sovereignty with the push for greater economic self-reliance and reduced dependence on foreign manufacturing.