I have two pairs of New Balance shoes, bought last year. Cost was $69 each pair. That’s reasonable.
These fair trade agreements always generate the opposite of their stated intent. Sorta like everything else liberals do. Sadly, even Republicans seem to like these agreements. Hasn’t anyone figured out these agreements don’t work.
How can you expect anyone to pay 30-100% more for a product just because it is made here? Why are we responsible for supporting what amounts to inefficiencies in the manufacture process?
All issues of quality being equal it all comes down to two things, government regs and Unions. Labor is a huge part of the mfg process and if it can be done overseas and it results in a product similar in every way but at half the price as one made here then I’m for it and will buy it in a flash.
If you want to subsidize inefficiency that’s fine if you can afford it, but I intend to get the best value for the dollars I have and currently that is not buying over priced American made goods. Nor does it include buying at the little corner store where I get the privilege of paying 15-25% more because the guy behind the counter knows my name.