Every year as warm weather approaches, Americans turn their thoughts to upcoming celebrations including three of America’s most patriotic holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day. Unfortunately, offshore flag manufacturers are making preparations of their own. They’re readying shiploads of foreign-made American flags just in time for our summer holidays.

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If you see the "Made in U.S.A." labeling on your flag or on the packaging, you know your American flag is indeed American-made. (Photo: Business Wire)

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly $4 million worth of imported American flags are sold in the United States each year. The vast majority of this amount ($3.6 million) is for U.S. flags made in China.

“Americans are justifiably proud of their country so they want to fly American flags at their homes, businesses and at public celebrations,” according to Thomas J. D’Amico, owner of American Flags Express, based in Butler, Wis. “However, too many people assume their American flags are made in the U.S.A. The truth is, unless you see a ‘Made in U.S.A’ label on your flag, there’s a good chance it was not manufactured in the United States.”

Consumer confusion over the sourcing of American flags is a relatively recent concern. Prior to September 11, 2001, nearly all American flags were made in the U.S.A. The day after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the greatest demand for American flags in history began. The patriotic surge made it impossible for U.S. flag manufacturers to keep up with demand, which caused a shortage that lasted for months.

“In those early days of e-commerce, our company, American Flags Express, was the only fully functional flag website on the Internet,” says D’Amico. “We were swamped with orders, as was every other American manufacturer.”

By the following year the upshot of America’s desire to wave the flag was clearly evident. Offshore manufacturers – especially China – had quickly stepped in to fill the demand. “It was only natural that Americans wanted to display their patriotism so everywhere you looked there were American flags for sale,” D’Amico says. “Unfortunately many of those flags were poorly printed and assembled. It was frustrating to see our national symbol represented like that.”

Over the past decade, American flag manufacturers have stepped up production of American flags to counter the shortage. However, the initial foothold established in the U.S. by Chinese manufacturers remains and continues to grow. With the easing of trade rules, Chinese-made American flags continue to flood into the United States, furthering the loss of skilled jobs in this country.

Federal law requires that each individual flag larger than 216 square inches (18″ x 12″) sold in the U.S. must have a label indicating the country of origin.1

What can you do to make sure your American flag is made in America?

Consumers should closely inspect their American flags. The material, stitching and assembly should be appropriate to withstand the intended use. If it’s a printed flag, the colors should be accurate and the image should be sharp with no overlap between colors.

“Above all, my advice to consumers is that if their flag is larger than 18″ x 12″ they should look for the ‘Made in U.S.A.’ labeling stamped on the canvas header,” D’Amico says. “It’s a requirement to have this labeling.”

If you’re purchasing a smaller flag on which a label is not required, ask to see the original package that the flags came in because country of origin is required to be marked on the packaging for all flags. Some retailers choose to remove flags from their original packaging to disguise where the flags were made.

“If you see the ‘Made in U.S.A.’ labeling on the flag or on the packaging, you know your American flag is indeed American-made,” D’Amico says.

About American Flags Express

Based in Butler, Wisconsin, American Flags Express specializes in the highest commercial quality large American flags. The company serves a wide variety of customers worldwide ranging from all five branches of the U.S. military, United States Supreme Court, federal, state and community governments, organizations and homeowners.

www.FlagsExpress.com

1 https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/threading-your-way-through-labeling-requirements-under-textile#covered

American Flags ExpressThomas J. D’AmicoOffice: 262-783-4800Fax: 262-783-5645Email: TD@FlagsExpress.com