[steveo]

Specifically, if you had to pay a premium of say 15% to get an item made in the U.S. opposed to a China part would you buy it?

I think I would, really...

Please tell me your thoughts. thanks...

[Jim from C-Town]

A 15% premium would be far short of the price for most manufactured goods. The savings for over sees manufacturing are significantly higher than that. Particularly for labor intensive production. Try 30%-40% to break even on the additional costs including EPA, Regulations, Taxes, and increased labor costs.

[Bonneville]

With a little searching, there’s some neat “made in america” items. Some favorite inexpensive gifts that I buy for people are combination screwdriver sets :
http://www.gammfg.com/combo.htm
Made in Pennsylvania for a reasonable price since the 50’s. All metal. Gotta give them props for surviving in the rustbelt!