Challenges and Benefits of Made in the USA Manufacturing: A Study of Small Business Owners

Abstract

Apparel and non-apparel manufacturing in the United States (US) has lost ground as a global competitor in recent decades, as the majority of production has shifted to overseas facilities. Older studies indicate that cheaper labor cost is the most compelling reason for this shift, while recent studies indicate the supplying country's infrastructure development, literacy rate and its language commonality with the USA are also contributing factors (Chi & Kilduff,