US removes 22 Chinese products from procurement list for 'Made in USA' mislabeling; FBI investigating

The U.S. government has removed 22 foreign-made products from the GSA Advantage! procurement platform, citing allegations that Chinese companies falsely labeled their goods as "Made in USA." This move by the Trump administration is seen as a significant step in its broader agenda to boost domestic manufacturing and lessen dependence on Chinese supply chains.

The investigation was triggered by a complaint from Sherrill Manufacturing, a New York-based maker of stainless steel tableware, during a White House summit. The company informed President Trump and Small Business Administration (SBA) head Kelly Loeffler that some Chinese firms were misrepresenting products as U.S.-made, even when they only underwent partial assembly or final processing overseas.

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As part of our commitment to rebuilding American industry and supply chains, the SBA under President Trump believes every taxpayer dollar spent by the federal government should support American businesses, American workers, and American products.

Under the "Buy American Act" and "Trade Agreements Act," federal procurement must prioritize U.S.-made products. False origin claims can lead to federal agencies unknowingly purchasing foreign goods, harming domestic businesses. SBA Administrator Loeffler stated that after receiving the complaint, President Trump ordered an immediate investigation. Within three weeks, 22 tableware items were identified and removed for false "Made in USA" claims.

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When foreign companies are found to falsely claim their products have 'Made in USA' status in the federal procurement system, President Trump directed the SBA and GSA to take strong action.

"As part of our commitment to rebuilding American industry and supply chains, the SBA under President Trump believes every taxpayer dollar spent by the federal government should support American businesses, American workers, and American products," Loeffler said. She emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for waste, fraud, and abuse, sending a clear message that foreign companies will not be allowed to exploit the "Made in USA" label to the detriment of honest American small businesses like Sherrill.

The FBI has also joined the enforcement efforts, investigating federal procurement cases involving false "Made in USA" claims and encouraging public reporting of violations. Amid escalating U.S.-China trade and technology competition, this action underscores Washington's strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on Chinese products and production systems through supply chain management and industrial policy.

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This administration has a zero-tolerance policy for waste, fraud, and abuse. We are sending a clear message to the marketplace that we will not tolerate any foreign company misusing the 'Made in USA' label, nor will we tolerate them using it to undercut honest, multi-generational American small businesses like Sherrill.