First and foremost, I am a strong advocate for global trade. As Americans, we have a long history of arguably being the most innovative, entrepreneurial, people on the planet. Embracing global trade serves our best interests and allows us to thrive in an interconnected world.​ Innovation is truly rooted in our DNA.

 

The challenges America faces today are not due to global trade, but are part of broader set of issues; including rapid technological advancements, lopsided trade policies benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the poor and middle class, a failing education system, and inadequate workforce preparation.​ Rather than blame global trade, we must adopt a broader perspective and confront the deeper, systemic issues affecting our country.

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"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
~Theodore Roosevelt

 

To succeed, we need to adopt a realistic mindset. Regardless of our feeling about global trade, we need to be realistic and accept the realities of the current global landscape. Just like our major corporations do, we need to make decisions based on what best serves our interests. When I create a product, buy components, or make manufacturing decisions, whether for myself or a company, I prioritize what best meets my needs and benefits me the most.

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My advice for anyone sourcing components—whether you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or individual, is straightforward: make decisions based on what works best for you or your business. For personal needs, it’s about getting the best value for your money; for businesses, it’s about maximizing value and staying competitive, rather than simply focusing on factors like country of origin.

 

The Reality of Capitalism

Capitalism, despite its flaws, remains the most effective system for generating wealth and prosperity. When sourcing components for products, I choose based on factors like price, quality, availability, and customer service—not on where the product comes from. Unless there’s a compelling reason—such as concerns about intellectual property, logistics, or tariffs, I source products and services from wherever they best meet my needs.

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Domestic vs. Global Sourcing: A Case Study

As an example, when designing my LED American Flag Soldering Kit, I looked into sourcing two of the components that were still capable of being fabricated in the U.S. from American manufacturers. However, I found that the two key components that still could be fabricated using U.S. sources were significantly more expensive when sourced domestically. One component was 25 times more expensive for prototypes and 10 times higher for bulk orders, and the other component was at least three times more costly. Moreover, the domestic manufacturers didn’t offer the material in the color I needed.

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Despite the desire to use American-made components, the cost and logistical challenges made it clear that sourcing components from abroad was the only reasonably priced option for the protypes.

I expected this outcome, but I felt compelled to explore domestic options due to the American flag design. In the end, the decision was clear: to succeed, I had to source components globally.

 

Global Trade: No Blame, Just Realism

I may not be in politics or policy, but it's clear that for decades, U.S. trade policies and the lure of cheaper labor and looser regulations have led U.S. companies to shift manufacturing outside of the United States. 

 

While I’m a proud American citizen, I also embrace my place in the global community and have respect for hardworking individuals, no matter where they are from. The reality is that the vast majority of high-tech products sold in the U.S. are now manufactured overseas.

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For instance, countless electronics components and products; smartphones, laptops, consumer electronics, and even electric vehicles—are produced in countries like China. To stay competitive, American companies have outsourced production to take advantage of lower costs, fewer regulations, in many cases, better infrastructure and logistics, and access to foreign markets. 

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Why Choose Global Suppliers? 

For my LED American Flag Soldering Kit, I’ve chosen to work with suppliers from China due to their unbeatable prices, high-quality products, and exceptional customer service. I have always had a positive experience working with Chinese manufacturers, and I consider them essential partners in my in this endeavor.

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This isn't just my experience. The reality is that most electronic and electrical products in the U.S. are made overseas. Large companies, as well as many small businesses, rely on global supply chains to source components at competitive prices.

 

What Does This Mean for You?

If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or individual sourcing components for your projects, it’s essential to make the best decision based on your specific needs. The world is interconnected, and global sourcing is often necessary to remain competitive. For me, sourcing globally is not about favoritism or nationalism; it’s about pragmatism. It’s about choosing the best quality, service, and value to create a successful product.

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That said, if there’s a compelling reason to prioritize domestic labor, such as personal beliefs or supporting local businesses—I will. For example, I might choose to buy a “Made in the USA” cloth American flag or support local small businesses over large corporations. But when it comes to manufacturing products like my LED American Flag Soldering Kit, currently for me global sourcing is simply the most practical choice.

 

In Conclusion

The world has evolved, and so must we. While I’m committed to supporting American labor and businesses, when possible, I also recognize the reality of today’s global economy. By accepting the global landscape and sourcing components that serve my needs best, whether they come from the U.S. or abroad, I’m positioning myself for success in a highly competitive world.

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Let’s not swim against the tide; let’s ride it toward innovation and prosperity.